Residents protest closure of Ferndown café

Another Ferndown resident, Linda Sambrooke, described the closure as “sad.” She added: “I use it from time to time, and I think it’s sad for the people who rely on coming in here and it’s their little bit of social [interaction]. “It’s just sad, and it also makes you angry. I think a lot of this has been preplanned. It’s the whole Agenda 2030, the Build Back Better, the World Economic Forum, you’ll have nothing and be happy, all that stuff. If you do your research, and a lot of people haven’t done any research, but it’s just the way it’s all going.” Margaret Coltman also took part in the protest. She previously collected a petition with around 200 signatures opposing the closure. She described the decision as “ridiculous.” She said: “There’s nowhere else you can get food, for pensioners with wheelchairs. They can’t get into anywhere else. [Ferns Café] is very wheelchair friendly. “People who work in that café are brilliant.” The protest was organised by Ferndown resident Eleanor Green, who also made signs for the protest. Green claimed that residents she has spoken to have said that they would be happy for their council taxes to go towards supporting the café, even if it was loss-making. When previously asked about the protest and the café closure feedback, Ferndown Town Council provided this response:

“It is with regret that Ferndown Town Council confirmed the decision to close Ferns Café at The Barrington Centre. The café will close by the end of May. “This decision has not been taken lightly. Following a full review of all alternative options presented, including a reassessment of advice from a specialist catering consultant, it was concluded that none offer a sustainable or viable path forward for the café’s continued operation. Significant efforts have been made to identify workable solutions, but due to ongoing financial pressures and constraints related to the centre’s occupancy agreement, no feasible alternative has been found. “We fully acknowledge the impact this decision will have on both staff and members of the community who have supported and enjoyed the café over the years. We extend our sincere thanks to the café team for their hard work and dedication and to the wider community for their ongoing support. “The bar will continue to operate to support events held at The Barrington Centre. “While the closure marks the end of a valued facility, the town council remains committed to exploring new ways to support the community within the limits of our resources and operational obligations.”