Independent council election candidate Christian Vassie is calling for new thinking to ensure the coffee shop in West Bank Park is reopened, to serve park visitors and to generate funds for local community groups.

Mr Vassie said leaving the café closed for another year would be "hopeless" and instead has proposed it be reopened for community groups to run.

He said: "This summer the council should allow community groups across Holgate use the coffee shop at weekends as a way to raise funds for their organisations.

"Many community groups are struggling to fund their growing running costs when access to funding is shrinking.

"I am sure that groups ranging from the Brownies, Scouts and Guides to residents’ associations, allotment associations and others would welcome an opportunity to sell homemade cakes, teas and coffees to generate some money for themselves while providing a service in West Bank Park.”