People Power Forces Re-Think Over Cafe Closure Plan
Written by HFM News on 31st March 2021
People power has forced a re-think over plans to close a popular family-run café at Foxton Locks.
The Canal and River Trust, who own the site, has put the move on hold, so talks can be held with the owner of the Top Lock Coffee Stop.
It comes after over 2,200 people signed a petition in a few days, calling for a re-think, after Gary Hives, who has run the business with his wife and daughter for 15 years, was told he would have to shut in October, as his lease would not be renewed.
Harborough MP Neil O’Brien also voiced his support to the campaign after visiting the cafe.
The Trust indicated it would instead by be running the cafe itself, but now says it wants to discuss continuing his lease in line with future plans for the site.
Hannah Solomons from Market Harborough, who launched the on-line petition, gave her reaction to Hfm’s Nick Shaw:
A spokesman for the Canal and River Trust said: “Further to the comments in the media about Mr Hives’ desire to extend the lease at Foxton, we are putting our plans on hold whilst we have further discussions with him.
“We’d like to meet so that we can discuss his plans and how they align with the Trust’s need to raise awareness of its work caring for our waterways and to engage more visitors to Foxton in how they can help support the canal network.
“We’re in the process of developing a masterplan for Foxton and have proposed to Mr Hives that, whilst we complete that planning, we discuss the continuation of his lease.
“Such an extension would give more time to assess the options and opportunities presented at the site, both to promote the Trust’s work and ensure the best service is provided for all those visiting Foxton in years to come.”
Gary Hives and Kelly Foster of Top Lock Coffee Shop with Neil O’Brien MP.
PIC: ANDY CARPENTER
