THE GROUP responsible for the management and operation of a beloved Holsworthy amenity have issued a statement after the withdrawal of a cafe from its facility.

Blagdon Wharf Farm Shop and Cafe confirmed the immediate closure of its amenity in the pavilion, citing insurance issues with the council and HASP, the organisation which operates the building on a lease from its owners, Holsworthy Town Council.

The council had previously stated that the cafe had already served notice to leave after a review, which found that commercial trading was not included in the insurance for the building.

A spokesperson for Holsworthy Area Sport Pavilion said: “It is with sadness that after year one complete, our partnership with Blagdon Wharf Farm shop Cafe has come to an end.

“Blagdon joined us in a 'Hybrid ' relationship with a view to utilise the space in the daytime with a Monday to Friday cafe whilst extending their hours to cover our peak volunteer times of Saturday cricket and Sunday football.Bringing their own brand to the room with an outstanding food and coffee offering.

“The Holsworthy Sports Pavillion organisation has grown to have over 500 direct user group members with Holsworthy cricket club, Holsworthy youth football, the peleton, Holsworthy and Bradworthy netball club and the Holsworthy running club.

“We also provide a venue to various other organisations and work with the local authorities to host successful community events. After a trial year we agreed that the partnership needed a rebrand centred more on the pavilion’s core sporting function following feedback from user groups. Through misunderstanding, it soon became apparent that the Blagdon brand and the HASP brand were 'too far apart' and 'sense of ownership' had to be prioritised to our user groups.

“With this circumstance, Blagdon decided it would not enter into a year two partnership with the HASP and gave notice.Further to this, mistakes were made along the way. Despite initial advice it was agreed between the tenants and town council that the partnership with Blagdon was in breach of the lease agreement and no commercial enterprise could take place without written agreement.

“This put insurances into question, a situation which could not be continued.Had we been moving into a year 2 partnership the HASP would have worked with HTC to see if these issues could have been resolved, although they would have taken significant time. Many lessons have been learned by all, who were acting with best intentions. We ask for no blame to be cast on well meaning parties.

“We wish Blagdon Wharf farmshop and cafe all the best in the future and thank them for their past years involvement.Relaunch. We have an outstanding new look for the pavilion, please come and support your local sporting teams and community events and see our new look. The HASP has now returned to work as a Volunteer network once more. Please show your support.”