A POPULAR children's soft play centre and coffee shop has been forced to shut after five years amid the cost-of-living crisis.

MACS in Dalry closed its doors for good last month citing the "current financial climate" as the main reason for making the "very difficult decision".

The mother and daughter team announced in December that the venue would be closing at the end of January - prompting dozens of comments on social media telling them they will be "sorely missed".

The update on the MACS Soft Play and Coffee Shop Facebook page read: "Unfortunately we have had to make the very difficult decision to close the soft play and coffee shop due to the current financial climate.

"We have been here for nearly five years and feel like we have became part of the Dalry community.

"We have made lifelong friends we will miss seeing.

"We would like to say thank you to all who have kept us going, having your parties with us, popping in for a coffee, making use of the soft play - we are extremely grateful."

One person posted in response: "Ooh noooooo! This is such sad news. This is so sad to hear about a local long term business struggling and also for the locals who use this. I'm sure it's going to be missed greatly."

Another wrote: "So sorry to hear this, you will be a big loss in the community but understandably you need to do what's best for you."

And someone else said: "So sorry to hear you’ve had to make what I’m sure has been a very difficult decision. The soft play will be sorely missed in the community."

In a bittersweet ending for the business, it was forced to close earlier than expected due to a collapsed ceiling.

They signed off this week by saying: "Nearly five years and we are officially closed.

"Who would have thought we would survive five years of mother and daughter working together?

"We absolutely rocked it, so many memories I’ll save for a lifetime.

"Thank you for coming in and supporting us."