A POPULAR community cafe which supports emergency services is set to close its doors this month.

The Frontline Cafe on Lerret Road on Portland has announced that it will be closing its doors for good on Sunday, September 25.

The owners say they are very sad to be closing, adding that the closure was not their choice and was due to circumstance beyond their control.

The cafe, with its emergency service-themed design is the brainchild of firefighters Matt Broxton and Tom Taylor, who launched Frontline Coffee in 2018.

Founders Tom and Matt said: "It is very sad news after a lot of hard work to build up a community hub but we’re looking forward to moving onwards and upwards.

"At its peak, we had around 20 employees, coming into the winter months this is less. The majority of these will now be out of work.

"We first opened our doors in February 2021 and we were blown away by the amazing support received by the local community.

"There are some plans in the pipeline to continue Frontline in a new location. We are looking forward to finalising these and releasing the full details.

"The closing does hugely impact our ability to support Frontline staff, as well as amazing local charities such as Andy’s man club which used the space every Monday and do incredible work."

Profits made from Frontline Coffee go to support frontline charities, financially and through awareness of the services they offer.

These charities include The Fire Fighters Charity, RNLI, NHS Charities Together, and more.

Frontline Coffee also owns a lounge and bar on St Thomas Street in Weymouth, however, the owners have said that this will also remain closed.

In their statement, the cafe said: "Frontline Cafe on Portland is closing, our last day of trading will be Sunday 25th September.

"It is not our choice to close but due to circumstances beyond our control we have found ourselves in this position.

"We have had a wonderful 18 months and are sad to be going.

"We want to thank our amazing team for all their hard work and dedication, without them we would be nothing! And, of course, thank you to our wonderful customers, especially our lovely regulars, we are going to miss seeing your faces and having a catch up with you (and your dogs!)

"A big thank you to all the musicians we have had play here, there's been some memorable nights for sure!

"A special mention to the frontline workers that have popped in to see us regularly, to grab a coffee or a snack whilst working hard looking after everyone. And a big big thank you to our generous customers who have bought over 1000 'pay it forward' drinks for frontline workers...that is incredible!

"This is absolutely not the end of Frontline! And we will see you again soon.

"In the meantime, please pop down and see us before we close the doors on Portland, we are here until the 25th and would love to see you all before we close."