A once-popular Isle of Wight attraction, West Wight Alpacas, will cease operations in September, marking the end of a 16-year run, following a prolonged period of financial hardship.
The farm, which was set-up in 2010 by husband and wife team Neil and Michelle Payne began as a hobby but very quickly escalated into an activity family business and attraction to hundreds of tourists from across the country.
Neil has expressed that the farm will be closing its gates at the end of this years summer season. The move has come after the farm has failed to make any profits from tourism for nearly 4 years, with Neil saying the number of visitors the farm receives has fallen some 35%.
Neil continued by saying:
“I’ve just turned 60 and so I’m going into my last 20 years and I want to do other things.
“We had a brilliant run, I want to express that this isn’t an immediate dramatic end. It’s not we’re going bust we’re shutting, it’s just a sensible decision.”
Despite the pair having to make some sad decisions, they are excited for the future of their business as they move their combined efforts into the retail space.
The husband and wife duo currently trade out of a shop in Yarmouth called Crackers about Alpacas, which stocks 40% Alpaca Wool goods and 60% other gifts which Neil says has been a huge success and a refreshing and welcoming way of life after farming for so many years.
In fact, the retail space has proved such a success that plans have been made to open a second shop in Lymington, where the addition of Michelle’s knitted goods are expected to thrive.
As well as being a tourist attraction, the business was one of the leading Suri Alpaca and Llama stud farms in the country which, away from the shops, the pair will continue.
So sad, sadly another business bites the dust.
Considering the planning application for unwanted second homes on their land at the back of the farm,you can bet that when it closes the extended planning application will pour in for a bigger,unwanted housing estate on the closed “farm”
watch out locals,its coming!
the only good thing,is the two self obsessed idiots that ruined shalfleet parish are not there anymore,so no brown envelope can change hands,as alpacas is virtually opposite their own farm!
funny handshakes and all that!
Funny things happen when profiteering is involved.
Unwanted homes? There’s a massive national shortage of housing, we need to build all over the country. Don’t be a NIMBY.
Islanders wont be able to afford them dopey!
the only reason theres a shortage is we have unwanteds crossing every day,woke idiot.
According to Companies House Neil Payne is not 60 until August.
As per usual – Economic with the truth to spin the narrative.