GLOUCESTER Prison is closing to visitors.

The popular visitor attraction will shut on October 14.

 A spokesman for Jailhouse Tours, which guides visitors around the historic site at Gloucester Docks, said: "It is with regret and sadness that we have decided to close Gloucester Prison.

"As a company we take our role as history and heritage ambassador very seriously and we have not come to this decision easily.

"Over the past 16 months Jailhouse Tours has funded the Gloucester Prison operation as we are passionate about sharing the history and heritage of this great building.

"Unfortunately, the nature of running historic buildings comes at great operational cost, and Gloucester prison while steeped in history is a very expensive building to operate. This, coupled with future plans for development, means the time has now come to close the doors for the second time in the prison's 224-year history.

"Gloucester Prison will not close straight away. We will be open for guided tours, self-guided tours and events up until and including Sunday, October 14.

"Our company is committed to showcasing the building’s history and want everybody to have the opportunity to take this history in. As a result, we have decided to lower the visitor costs.

"Over the next six weeks the Gloucester Prison team will be on site to continue to provide you the excellent service we have become known for, take bookings, show you around the prison and answer any questions you have.

"The website is still live and taking guided tour bookings alternatively you can call us or drop in to book your visit."

For more information, please visit www.jailhousetours.com or call 01743 343100.