STAFF at a new community café in York are looking for help deciding on a name.

The café at Haxby Road Primary Academy is located in the children’s centre at the school, has been developed over the last few months with Government funding matched by City of York Council.

But, before it can open fully in the new year, it still needs a name and the public are being asked to help.

Designed by Interior Design students from York St John University and part-funded by Hiscox, the café has indoor and outdoor facilities for adults and children.

There are dedicated safe play areas for the children, but more importantly the café provides the space for members of the community to meet, discuss, make plans or just chat with friends over a cup of coffee.

A range of services and drop-in sessions will be available from the council and partners including:

  • a baby clinic provided the local healthy child service
  • parental and family support
  • advice on how to access education
  • counselling
  • library services
  • training and drop-in sessions on money management, budgeting and job-hunting amongst others.

There are also display areas where people can exchange ideas and access information.

Zoe Lightfoot, head of school at Haxby Road said: “We value the strong relationship we have with our local community and by providing this venue for everyone to use, we can share more, learn more and work together more for mutual benefit.

"It’s been fantastic watching the café take shape and we’re really looking forward to welcoming people in to use the facilities. All we need now is a name, and we’re good to go!”

Cllr Stuart Rawlings, executive member for education, children and young people, said: “This new community café will give local people access to a significant range of services, including the return of the children’s centre all under one roof.

"It will provide a hub where people can simply meet to socialise, or at the other end of the scale, get advice and guidance on some really important, and potentially life-changing, issues. I welcome the public’s input in to the name of the community café, so that there is a real sense of belonging to and ownership of this great new facility.”

The community café’s new name will be decided from a shortlist of three:

• Community Exchange Café

• Haxby Road Community Café

• Local Area Community Café

To have your say, please cast your vote online via Haxby Road Primary Academy’s website at http://www.hrprimary.co.uk by the end of December or go directly to the poll: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JSLZK2S