A CAFÉ displaying one of the most significant finds in Europe has closed because of a lack of support.

Claudius Gateway has been shut for a number of weeks but owners have said they remain optimistic it will reopen in the future.

Flying Trade Group, of Harwich, which owns the site has said it will remain closed until a more cohesive tourist approach to Colchester is forthcoming.

A statement from the Flying Trade Group said: “Claudius Gateway opened the doors 18 months ago with our full commitment to offer a truly unique proposition for tourists and local residents and a genuine heritage attraction for Colchester.

“We invested a huge amount of money and our time into this project but unfortunately this wasn’t supported with visitor numbers.

“All revenues raised were given to local, national and International charities. To these ends, we closed the museum but plan to open at fixed times.

“We are prepared to look at any alternative schemes once private and public stakeholders can provide a cohesive approach to tourism.”

Claudius Gateway is opposite Colchester Castle, in Castle Bailey, and the cafe and museum forms part of the One Castle House block of apartments.

It opened in May 2017 and its main feature was a glass flooring which allowed people to look down on part of the historic Claudius Gateway.

The gateway was a 120 metre structure, which took the form of a series of 28 arches punctured in the middle by a giant gateway, which was used as a meeting place to the south of the Temple of Claudius built more than 2,000 years ago.

Some of the remains were uncovered during archaeological work in preparation for the new flats, while other parts of the foundations were discovered in the Fifties and Sixties.

Flying Trade Group decided to turn the ground floor site into a volunteer-run museum and cafe to showcase the historic find and raise further money for good causes through its World Food Aid charity division.

Its closure means the charities will no longer benefit from the cafe.

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But although Claudius Gateway will remain closed for now, it is hoped to reopen again in the near future. Those wishing to see the remains inside the cafe have been asked to get in touch with the group.