Age UK forced to shut its Wolverhampton cafe
A charity that helps older people in Wolverhampton is being forced to close its restaurant, it was announced today.
Age UK had been using the restaurant in Darlington Street as a source of fundraising. But, despite being popular with pensioners, bosses said it was now costing more than it was making.
The charity intends to move its offices from upstairs into the current restaurant space. Four jobs are at risk.
The restaurant has been in Darlington Street since 1994, when the charity was still called Age Concern, but can no longer compete with commercial rivals such as Caffe Nero and Beattiess.
A consultation is taking place but the charity is looking to close the restaurant as soon as possible.
Chief executive of Age UK Wolverhampton Rosie Paskins said: "The restaurant hasn't been generating funding, it's been eating it.
"We can save money for other services by closing a loss-making venture."