THE vacant café in Town Gardens will open its doors over Easter to raise money for the Great Western Hospital.

The popular Old Town kiosk closed last weekend after its former tenant decided not to join the tender process for a new lease.

South Swindon Parish Council says it is in the final stages of agreeing a three-year deal with a new tenant but – in the meantime – has opened up the opportunity to support patients and staff at Swindon's hospital.

Old Town Rotary Club volunteers will run the café between April 2-5 and all of the profits will to its nominated charity for the year, Brighter Futures.

“It will be a service to the public and a great opportunity for us to raise funds," said Old Town Rotary Club president Ray Norman.

"When we found out we could use the space we were more than happy to do. 

“People were surprised it was closing in its current form from what you can gauge over the past year is that it has been a social hub to walk to or get drinks at. 

"So hopefully it will be a reasonable weekend. As we’re still in lockdown hopefully people will still support us.

He added: “As the opportunity to fundraise is limited this is a golden opportunity to do something. It has been an extremely difficult year for everyone and this is a super charity and very local for local people.

“We are supporting the NHS nationally as well, which they appreciate more than ever – especially local ones. The national charities will be hit but can swing into action on a bigger scale but local charities could be cut off. So our aim is to help the community”

Commemorative giving manager for Brighter Futures Anne Norman said: “It’s fantastic news the rotary club has chosen us. 

"This will go towards improving the physical and mental welfare of staff at GWH as it has been a particularly challenging year. 

“It will be a bonus to have it in the park because it is so popular with the local residents. 

"I’m hoping it will be popular with the community, who have been really supportive of us over the past year. 

“We have had so little opportunity to do fundraising over the last year so this will be great.”

With the former Town Gardens tenant leaving sooner than expected the parish council has brought forward planned refurbishment work at the café. 

This will start on April 6 and, once complete, the new tenant will be able to open the café.

Councillor and Old Town Rotary member Neil Hopkins said: “I’m delighted we have been able to do this and we hope people come to the park over the weekend. It means we can raise some money which is an absolutely fantastic opportunity. 

"If we can raise anywhere between £5,000 to £10,000 we would be over the moon. 

“There was an opportunity here so we just said 'let’s just take it' and we jumped at the chance. If it’s positive for the community and charity then we will make it happen. 

“I’m hoping the weather will be nice and people will have a fantastic time – so come down and buy something."