Cafe is lifelong dream

A NEW coffee and cake shop in the heart of a village has been hailed as just the ticket.

The business has been the lifelong ambition of owner Tracy Charlson, a former teaching assistant, who has lived in Wardle since childhood. Tracy said: “I have always thought Wardle needs somewhere where you can sit down for a coffee or tea and a bite to eat. I plucked up the courage and worked hard to get the place up and running. Local people have been fantastic and very supportive. We’re open seven days a week and are really busy. We also get a lot of walkers and cyclists heading for nearby Watergrove Reservoir.”

But Tracy had a shock just a week after opening when the council slapped down double-yellow lines along Ramsden Road and outside the coffee shop.

She said: “Workmen arrived out of the blue and painted yellow lines all over. Luckily, there’s a car park just round the corner.”

On hand to welcome Tracy and her mum Margaret – who helps out behind the counter – was Labour’s local community campaigner Julian Farnell.

He said: “Hats off to Tracy. It’s a really nice and friendly place and just what the village needs. It’s important the council does everything to support local businesses as they help the community thrive.”

The coffee shop is named after her beloved Cocker Spaniel, Charlie, and it is definitely dogfriendly with water bowls and treats for customers’s pooches.