The outgoing lessees of the Criterion Hotel have thanked the Oamaru public for their support after the Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust last week cancelled their lease.
In a statement yesterday, lessees Peter and Mandi Timmo said they wanted to thank customers and friends for their messages of support on the termination of their lease.
"We fought a very hard battle in the last two years to keep the business running, but with the current economic environment we have been unable to sustain it in a viable manner.
"We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused."
The trust, which owns the 1887 vintage building, cancelled the Timmos' lease last Wednesday, due to non-payment of rent.
