A popular charity-run garden centre café has announced its abrupt closure.

For years, the Olive Tree Café which can be found inside Manor Garden Centre in Cheney Manor Industrial Estate has been providing people with mental health struggles a safe space to work.

But an unexpected burnout of its drains and pumps at the venue has forced it to suddenly close on what manager Phyllida Richards hopes will be a temporary basis.

But the 60-year-old who has been at the café since The Recovery Tree charity first opened it, admitted that it was not certain if or when the café might reopen.

“The drains and pumps have burnt out after 25 years of hard use from us and the café before us.

“The tricky thing is that it is not our responsibility to repair, and it is up to our landlords.”

Phyllida explained that she was in discussion with the landlords and was hoping that a temporary fix might happen soon but would know more in the next few days.

“At the moment we have the overwhelming feeling that 100-plus volunteers and staff who are part of the Olive Tree, a place they go to feel safe, that’s part of their routine and that is part of their sense of worth, are without it.

“And then there’s our customer base which is massive.

“So, we are doing everything we can to keep the heartbeat of the café going.”

The café will be closing at the end of the day on Friday, July 19, and currently has no set reopening date.

But Phyllida has confirmed that the venue will still be used as a safe space for those who relied on it

“We have said to our volunteers and staff, we’ll be organising a couple of open houses where people can still come in, support each other and make plans going forward until something gets sorted out.”

Members of the public are dismayed the cafe is closing.

One person wrote: “No, can't believe you are having to close. One of the very few things to be proud of in Swindon. Hope you can reopen soon

Another added: “We were there today for coffee and cake to celebrate a friend's birthday We can't express how sad we were when we were told about the closure Let's sincerely hope you can reopen before too long.”