Protest saves popular cafe
A POPULAR community cafe looks to have been saved from the brink after a huge protest against its potential closure.
Abney Cafe, in Abney Park, Cheadle, has become a hub for families, dog-walkers and residents from the area after opening five years ago.
But last week Stockport Council, who own the building it runs out of, served an eviction notice on Kate and Stephen Peacock who run the venue.
The couple - who grew up in Cheadle and love Abney Park so much they got married there - had moved the cafe into the building two years ago. They paid a peppercorn rent, but the council had wanted to agree a more formal lease towards the end of last year.
And when paperwork had not been sorted out, the council served the notice.
But following a huge public outcry Kate and Stephen, 51 and 39, were given a further week and, having signed a lease, the future appears secure again.
She said: “We could have done things differently as we are naff at paperwork but we are good at running a community cafe. It is a little party every day where everyone is welcome.
“We were so touched by how much the cafe means to people, we were overwhelmed by everyone’s support and want to thank them for it. It was astounding.”
When news of the potential closure broke there has a huge reaction on social media. A public meeting was even held on Sunday for the community to discuss ways to keep the cafe open.
Throughout their time in Abney Park the couple have organised community events such as Easter Egg hunts for children and dog shows.
Kate and Stephen’s two children, Samuel, 11, and Amelia, six, both have Abney for a middle name.
Regular customer Krissy Lucas, 32, a mum-of-one, said: “It is like the heart of the community. It would be terribly missed as it means a lot to a lot of people.” A council spokesman said: “We were told on Friday that the occupants require a further week to resolve paperwork on this matter and we are inviting them in to complete the necessary process and for a lease to be signed urgently. “Officers are happy to meet with the occupants and their legal representatives to conclude the discussions and agree terms of occupation of the premises. “It is really important for the council to make the most of its assets and properties.” Kate Peacock