TWO popular park cafés have closed after more than 18 years operating.

Mark Johnston, who ran the businesses in Queens Park and Old Town Gardens, has moved out and the buildings have been fenced off.

It follows a dispute between Swindon Council and Mr Johnston over rent payments.

The 42-year-old was ordered to pay the council more than £3,000 in rent, dating back to last April.

Mr Johnston told the Advertiser he had invested £20,000 in building regulations for a glasshouse conservatory at the Queens Park site for the good of Swindon.

He failed to produce evidence of his claims that he had poured money into the project The Cirencester resident, who was diagnosed with a tumour in his neck in August, said he had found it difficult to keep on top of legal correspondence after an emotional last six months.

As a result he failed to enter a defence to the County Court for unpaid rent, thus admitting liability.

"I wanted to do something for the people of Swindon," he said.

"The glasshouse would have been green, cream and gold in a Harry Potter style and for everyone in Swindon to enjoy.

"But after shelling out all this money on planning I am now out of pocket and cannot afford to pay the rent I owe.

"I feel like I have been robbed of my business and livelihood."

A council spokeswoman said: "The café facilities for both Queens Park and Old Town Gardens are now back under the control of Swindon Council.

"We will be looking to find a new tenant and will be offering the properties to let on the open market as soon as possible."

District Judge Myra Codlin-Tate, sitting at Swindon's County Court, said Mr Johnston had no basis of a defence.

He will now have to pay back the rent at a fixed arrangment with the council - a descison he described as "total injustice".

Mr Johnston said that he now intends to live a quieter life away from Swindon.