A MUCH loved community cafe is about to open its doors, for the first time since lockdown in March.

The "not for profit" Whitegate Station Café will re-open on Tuesday, August 18, after lots of careful planning and consultation with its volunteers has taken place to do so safely. The friendly café is housed in the old station masters house on the now disused Whitegate Way railway line between Winsford and Cuddington

Robert Matthews, one of its organisers, said: "We have struggled during lockdown and following a massive effort by volunteers to get the café and garden straight we are now opening.

"Cllr Mike Baynham also contributed tremendously towards this effort.

"He and his family were among several volunteers who tamed our incredibly overgrown garden; briars, poppies and nettles had fully exploited lockdown!"

"The café reaches deep into the community; providing work experience for disabled youngsters and those with learning difficulties from Petty Pool in Sandiway, it provides a place for elderly people in rural communities to meet and has a loyal customer following from Winsford, Northwich, Sandiway and beyond."

Since 2015, following extensive renovation work, the café has become a thriving focal point for the local community and users of the Whitegate Way. It serves a delicious range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, ice creams and other snacks, all provided by a dedicated team of local volunteers. In its heyday the railway carried salt from Winsford to Cuddington junction. In later years wardens from Cheshire Council lived there.

Mr Matthews added: "The café looks forward to welcoming back both its regular and new customers as it strives to remain open and provide a valuable amenity within its community.

"The café is also interested to hear from anyone interested in volunteering."