THE proposed closure of a much-loved city café as part of plans to raise funds for a cash-strapped council has been put on hold.
Colchester Council revealed earlier this month its plans to raise £600,000 to pay staff following their new pay rise after strike action.
Council workers threatened strike action last year in a row over pay.
It was resolved in December with industrial action called off when a new offer was accepted.
Staff received a near-£2,000 wage increase.
Among the money-saving plans, it was proposed to close the café at Leisure World.
Other points highlighted were introducing an entrance fee to Hollytrees Museum for the first time, introducing a different operating model at High Woods Country Park Visitor Centre and reducing council staff numbers.
However, following community feedback and discussions among Cabinet members, Colchester Council has announced a decision to pause the proposed closure of the café at Leisure World.
The cabinet acknowledged the importance of the café to the Leisure World community, recognising its value as a social hub and gathering place.
While the financial pressures remain and the need for cost reductions persists, the council said it is “committed to exploring alternative possibilities for the cafe’s future before making any final decisions”.
Council leader David King said: “We hear the concerns of residents about the Leisure World café.
“It was good to know so many of them really value the café as a meeting place.”
Mr King outlined alternatives, which include running the café in a profitable way with a different supplier, exploring community partnerships, innovative business models, or cost-saving measures.
“In the meantime, the café will remain open,” he added.
“We are committed to transparency throughout this process.
“We will keep you informed as we look for a sustainable future for the café.
My thanks again to those residents who got in touch.”
The report considered outlined how £558,530 can be saved to match the new national pay award.
This is needed on top of £6.262 million, which the council says needs saving “over the next three years”.
To close this gap, it will put proposal plans in place to reduce its operating costs by 25 percent over the next three years.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel