Mental health charity Mind which took over award winning Topaz cafe in Hyde has been forced to close after only 18 months. The charity, which took over the cafe from Tameside council has not managed to make the cafe profitable as a social enterprise and has been given notice to leave the building.
Richard Evans, chief executive of Tameside,Oldham and Glossop Mind said "it is regrettable that we have had to make this decision".
Up until June last year the cafe was run as a social enterprise by Tameside Council,helping adults with learning difficulties gain valuable work experience. As part of a cost cutting exercise Tameside Council asked Tameside, Oldham and Glossop mind to take over, saving the council £100,000.Unfortunately they have not been able to make the cafe a viable proposition.Tameside Council have stated that they are hoping to find the people employed at the cafe alternative work.