The new owners of a Tenby hotel which closed suddenly earlier this year are hoping they may be able to help engaged couples who were let down over their wedding arrangements.

The Heywood Mount Hotel in Heywood Lane, which ceased trading in February, has been bought by Claire and Pete Nutty from Milford Haven. The couple are new to the hospitality trade, having worked for years in the oil and gas industry, both at home and in the Far and Middle East.

The 25-bed roomed hotel was being marketed for £775,000, having previously been up for sale at £1.4m.

Said Mrs Nutty: “During our dealings with the receivers, we realised that the circumstances leading up to the closure were far from ideal, and that a lot of people were let down at that time.

“We understand that deposits were taken in the early part of the year by the previous owners for a number of weddings.

“For those couples who arranged wedding receptions at the venue and have not been able to find alternative arrangements, they should know that part of our commitment to buy the hotel was to take a sympathetic look at each case to try and accommodate as many people as time and space allows.

The property was sold on behalf of its receivers by Colliers International, whose hospitality sector specialist, Peter Brunt, said: “Heywood Mount Hotel had been in business for a long time, and enjoyed a very good reputation, but that took a knock earlier this year when the hotel closed.

“But this point was not lost on the new owners who are determined to help, if at all possible, those couple who placed deposits on wedding events at Heywood Mount.

“Although this is a big undertaking, and they cannot promise to be able to help everybody, people can be assured if they can help, they certainly will.

“They are determined to give their new business venture the best possible start, with as much goodwill as possible.”

The couple hope that the hotel will be restored to full operations by early June, and are currently having a full refurbishment of the kitchen. A major refurbishment on the restaurant, reception and spa will start early next year.Added Mr Brunt: “People in this part of Wales have great affection for the hotel, and there is a recognition that it can be returned to its rightful place as an important location in Tenby.”