Frustration over delay in reopening park cafe

A councillor has raised concerns over delays in plans to reopen a popular park cafe.

Sandall Park Cafe has been closed since April, but work to redevelop the site - first mooted in 2015 - has stalled.

In August, City of Doncaster Council said a deal to demolish and rebuild the venue was "close to completion", but this week said a long-term development lease was in the "advanced stages."

Reform UK councillor for the area, and former Reform group leader, Guy Aston called the delays "outrageous" and blamed the council for "weeks of complete silence".

He said a new cafe would "give Sandall Park a heart" and that lawyers were debating terms whilst forgetting "the benefits for the local community".

He added: "The new cafe will let park visitors buy anything from a coffee to a full meal. It will make the park a 'day out' for the whole family."

Redevelopment of the cafe was first considered 11 years ago, with a proposal put forward for a new restaurant and cafe/bar complex costing £5m.

Brian Greathead from the Friends of Sandall Park said: "A new cafe would be a fantastic addition and a real asset for Sandall Park, providing a much-needed facility for the thousands of people who visit throughout the year."

He asaid the group was disappointed that progress had "taken so long" adding that they "sincerely hope that all parties involved can reach an agreement soon".

A council spokesperson said: "We appreciate that residents are eager to find out more and want an update as soon as possible, and are working with the developer to agree the last few details.

"Once this has been completed, we will be in a position to reveal more about the plans for the new cafe."

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