Tapton Lock café and shop closed

DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has closed the café at Tapton Lock on the Chesterfield Canal.

Operated two days a week

It stating that the café and shop operated two days a week and one weekend a month but had been under review for some months before the decision to close was taken, Janet Friend reports.

It was found to be no longer viable as a part-time business and ceased trading at short notice due to staffing issues, and it would like to thank visitors for their valued custom over the years.

The council is now looking at alternative uses for the building in order to generate income to contribute to the cost of maintaining the canal. In the meantime, the building will continue to provide a base for its countryside rangers. Public toilets in the building will continue to open whenever rangers are on site and all-terrain mobility scooters will still be available to hire during these times. Pre-booking is essential.

Wonderful venue

A spokesperson for the Chesterfield Canal Trust commented:

“The Chesterfield Canal Trust is very sorry that Derbyshire County Council has finally closed its café and shop at Tapton Lock Visitor Centre. It has proved to be a wonderful venue for nearly 30 years. The trust is in talks with Derbyshire County Council about the possible future of the building, but nothing has been decided as yet.

“In the meantime, we will still be running all our trips on John Varley II from Tapton Lock and the toilets will remain open.”