Levengrove Park's Pavilion Cafe hits the market as council attempts to secure future

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Closure-threatened Levengrove Park’s Pavilion Cafe has hit the market as the council looks to secure its future.The popular venue only opened in 2019 as part of a multi-million pound regeneration of the park, with news of its closure met with outcry from the local community.The cafe was managed by West Dunbartonshire HSCP and specialist supported employment services, with the facility used as a training kitchen for adults with learning disabilities and autism, and people recovering from mental health issues and addiction.However, earlier this year, the HSCP said shutting it would save the cash-strapped health and social care partnership £90,000.It decided to continue operating the Pavilion Cafe until May to allow the council to seek another leaseholder to run the popular venue..West Dunbartonshire Council is now marketing the site with rental offers of more than £15,000 a year invited.Currently seven people are employed at the venue and 11 volunteers also lend their time to the cafe.Reacting as news of its closure was revealed earlier this year, Leven councillor Jim Bollan said: “Closure of the pavilion at Levengrove Park with the loss of jobs and training places is completely unacceptable and needs to be vigorously opposed.“Suggesting this cafe needs to make a profit undermines the basic value of delivering socially beneficial services to the wider community and some of those most in need.“Councils are there to deliver services not profiteer.

Labour know the price of everything, but the value of nothing.”Community campaigner Jim Moohan added: “It is absurd. It’s a lovely spot within Dumbarton and a great area for families, children, dog walkers and everyone.“I can’t for the life of me understand the decision to take