A POPULAR medieval English castle has shut in a "massive blow" for locals and businesses in a market town. English Heritage announced Prudhoe Castle in Northumberland had closed over the weekend as operational updates take place. However, no date has yet been set for when the Norman fortress will re-open, sparking concerns the closure will have a "very negative impact" on the local economy. County Councillor Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, called the closure "a massive blow" and claimed it had been "kept under wraps". He added that he had contacted English Heritage for an "urgent meeting" and also reached out to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport - Lisa Nandy - to ask the Government to take "swift action" to prevent the mothballing of the heritage site. English Heritage, which manages the castle's site, describes the fortress as having a "formidable gatehouse" and an "atmospheric chapel" on its grounds. In a statement on its website, the charity confirmed: "This year we’re changing how we welcome visitors to Prudhoe Castle, and a new way of operating is currently being developed. "In the meantime, the site will remain closed but please check the website as we will share details when we have them." Cllr Stewart says the castle "attracts visitors from all over the world" and fears its closure will "have a very negative impact upon many local businesses and the local economy," reports the Hexham Courant. Tourists come to visit Prudhoe Castle for both its heritage and the "Regency Gothic" mansion located within its walls. Describing the "gentleman's residence", English Heritage said: "In its elegant, unfurnished rooms, you’ll find family-friendly displays tracing the stories of a fortress continuously occupied for more than nine centuries." The structure's history began in the 12th century, when it was originally constructed as a defence against Scottish invaders. Additions and restorations to the site have been made in the centuries after it was built. Cllr Stewart has also expressed concern over reports English Heritage is proposing more than 150 cuts to staff roles amidst financial challenges. The charity has said the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath, as well as the cost of living crisis, have had a long-term effect on visitors' expectations and behaviour. It added that it was still "financially resilient" and capable of achieving its "charitable purposes". Local resident Dr Shaun Parsons, who lives within view of the castle, said the closure was "devastating news for the town and the fantastic staff there". The popular tourist site, located on the river banks in the town, is described as "picture perfect" and as a "hidden gem" for families on TripAdvisor. This comes less than two months after the town was dealt another blow when a beloved pub shut its doors after more than a decade of serving loyal customers. The owners of Wor Local Micropub in the picturesque town said it had been forced to close for good as its rent skyrocketed by more than 40 per cent. Regular customers were left gutted following the announcement the "proper local" pub would shut its doors for the final time at the end at the start of March. The pub explained that spiralling rent prices and upkeep costs, combined with a decline in footfall, gave the establishment "no choice" but to close.