Ferndown | Posted on April 11th, 2025 | return to news
Ferndown Town Council to close local café
Ferns Café in The Barrington Centre will be closed down by the end of May following years of financial losses.
A council-funded café in the heart of Ferndown is to be shut down from the end of May, according to Ferndown Town Council.
The council announced the difficult decision on Friday 11 April. Ferns Café, in The Barrington Centre on Pennys Walk and opposite Tesco, has made financial losses over the last four years.
Despite efforts to improve its viability, and after consulting with an industry specialist, the council has concluded that it is not financially responsible to continue subsidising the café with taxpayer funds.
The Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Terry Cordery, said: “We understand that this news will be disappointing for many in our community. However, after careful review, it is clear that we cannot justify continued financial support for the café when it has consistently operated at a loss.
“Our priority must be to use public funds responsibly and ensure they are allocated where they can have the greatest impact.”
The council thanked the café’s staff for their hard work for the community and said that it is committed to supporting all affected employees. The council will work closely with them to provide assistance and explore alternative opportunities.
Cllr Cordery added: “We ask that respect and kindness be shown to the staff as they navigate this transition.
“This decision was not made lightly, and we deeply appreciate their hard work and commitment.”
The council said it anticipates keeping the café open until the end of May to allow for a smooth transition. The council will continue to engage with the community to discuss alternative ways to support local social and economic initiatives.
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