Council landlords of a popular community cafe have confirmed they do not intend to close the venue, despite ongoing negotiations over its future.
Ashfield District Council, landlord of the Rumbles Community Café, extended the lease of the café for a short period of time so that negotiations could take place for a new agreement.
The venue's rent, maintenance and bills have been "significantly subsidised" by the district council during the period of their tenancy, but now the local authority said it is aiming to find a more suitable and sustainable solution for a new agreement.
The popular non-profit eatery, which provides work opportunities for local people with disabilities, has been operating for 15 years.
Local residents signed a petition in support of keeping the café open, which reached over 4,000 signatures and was backed by Ashfield MP Lee Anderson.
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A spokesperson for Ashfield District Council said: "Ashfield District Council’s legal advisors continue to negotiate with the professional advisors of the tenants of Rumbles Café regarding the renewal of their licence to occupy the premises.
"The Council is keen to continue engagement with their professional advisors to try to reach an agreement. During the period of their current licence the Council has been significantly subsidising the café’s rent, maintenance and utility bills and we need to agree a more suitable and sustainable solution for a new agreement. As legal negotiations continue, we can confirm it is not our intention to close the café."
Ashfield MP Lee Anderson, who has backed a petition in support of the cafe, has described the latest move by Ashfield District Council as an ‘absolute disgrace’. He said: "I am appalled at the lack of sincerity from the council to have a proper discussion with the Rumbles café on how they can help them to continue providing the fantastic community service that they provide to the great people of Ashfield."
He said that the café faces closure if an agreement is not reached by the end of March, adding: "This café has been serving our community for 15 years and provides placements and essential workplace experience for people with learning disabilities. If the council is serious about negotiating with the café then they need to compromise, meet with the directors of the café, and offer a fair deal."
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