Cuerden Valley Park cafe to close for months-long repairs after arson attack caused £250k in damages
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The cafe - which is often busy with families, dog walkers and nature lovers – will close its doors on Monday, April 25 and stay shut for four to six weeks before reopening in mid-June.
During its closure, extensive repairs will be made to the cafe, which suffered around £250,000 in damages when it was torched by a suspected arsonist in late September.
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Hide AdWhilst work takes place, the cafe and its staff will move to a temporary base in the Walled Orchard, around 200 yards away, where it will continue to sell hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and cakes.
A spokesman for Cuerden Valley Park said: “Our visitor centre and café will be closed from Monday, April 25 while we carry out essential repairs on the building following a fire in September 2021.
"During this time, Cuerden View Café will be moving to a temporary home in the Walled Orchard, located off our Berkeley Drive Car Park while works are carried out.
"We are excited to show off this beautiful space where we will continue to provide refreshment for park goers.”
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Hide AdDan McCarthy, Cuerden’s operations manager, added: “The café will be operating out of a modular ‘food cube’ serving hot/cold drinks, sandwiches (hot & cold) along with sweet treats from our usual local suppliers.
"Seating will be in the form of picnic benches with cover provided by a marquee for when the weather is adverse and toilet facilities will also be provided.”
A 38-year-old man from Leyland was arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the fire, which broke out in the early hours of Monday, September 27.
Six fire engines rushed to the blaze and crews managed to contain the fire and prevent the flames from ripping through the building, which was built using straw bale.
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Hide AdFortunately no one was injured and Lancashire Police was able to arrest a suspect following CCTV enquiries. The force has been approached for an update on the arson investigation.