THE future of a popular climbing centre in Hereford is uncertain after the site unexpectedly closed this week.

The Send – the county’s only indoor climbing centre – opened earlier this year in a disused warehouse off Ramsden Road on the Rotherwas industrial estate.

It received rave reviews on social media and had become a popular destination for both serious climbers and complete beginners while also playing host to children’s parties.

The centre also held coaching sessions for those learning the sport and sold membership packages.

The Send, which takes its name from an outdoor sports expression meaning ‘doing something very difficult with style’, has a number of climbing walls to test all abilities and a soft floor for any unexpected landings.

It was used by a wide cross section of society and it is understood staff were shocked to have been told that the site was closing last week after nine months in business.

The status of the centre online has also been changed to permanently closed.

And a note attached to the door of the building states: “Due to unforeseen circumstances we’re unable to open the centre.

“We’ll endeavour to keep customers advised of developments in the near future.”

However, many members have been left in the dark over how they can redeem the money they spent to use the centre in the coming months.

The centre’s contact number goes straight to voicemail and Nick Harms – the owner when the site opened in February – has not responded to calls from the Hereford Times.

Mr Harms, a climbing enthusiast from Leominster, opened the new venture with his partner Nina.

Back in February, he stated: “There is quite a lot of climbers around as we have the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons quite close to us.

“I think that one of the important things is that a lot of people are quite interested in trying another sport.”