FEARS that a café in a local park will be permanently closed have been dispelled by Essex County Council.

In October last year Thurrock Nub News reported on speculation that the authority was considering closing the café in Belhus Country Park as a cost-saving measure. The council produced a document proposing a significant cost-cutting plan to shut cafés at a number of parks it runs.

One of them is Belhus, which is in Thurrock but is run by the county council.

And fears of residents and park users were exacerbated recently when the café was closed.

However, in response to questions from Nub News, Essex Council says the closure is not permanent.

A statement says: "The café at Belhus Woods Country Park has unfortunately had to close temporarily due to a lack of staff.

"This closure will not be permanent; we are fully committed to the future of the café. A new member of staff has already been recruited, and adverts will soon be posted for further team member positions.

"We hope to re-open the café as soon as possible."

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