MELKSHAM Hub Café is due to close on 31st May following a steep rise in costs and low footfall at the railway station. The Glee Club, who meet in the café every Wednesday, aim to raise funds to ensure they can continue using the space.
The café was opened May 2021 as part of the TransWilts project to improve the railway station and create a welcoming gateway into the town. It is manned by both paid staff and volunteers who also attend the Glee Club; a weekly group for those with special educational needs (SEND) and their support networks to socialise and take part in activities.
Transwilts Community Rail officer, Sophie Martin said, “We never set out to make a profit with the café, it was always for the community, but we can’t keep running at a loss. There has been so much disruption on the trains lately, which hasn’t helped, and our overheads have shot up, meaning the café has become increasingly unsustainable. Some people I have spoken to in Melksham also didn’t even realise the town even had a train station.
“[For the future of the Glee Club] we hope to get enough funds to renovate the café, so the kitchen can be removed to make way for more seating for Glee clients.”
On their website and social media pages, Melksham Hub Café said, Our Glee Club has grown in strength, welcoming members each week for fun, friendship, music and games. It’s such an important part of their week, and we are really sad that we can’t host them anymore.
“Our café has been manned by volunteers from the SEND community. Sophie and Lottie have been two of our key volunteers. It’s been so lovely to see them really grow in confidence and learn that they can make a valuable contribution.
“Thanks to the support from our amazing staff who have really embraced giving these amazing people the opportunity to grow.
“For the time being we will continue to stay open, albeit with reduced hours. Our Glee Club will also remain open every Wednesday 12.30pm to 2.30pm until such time that we close our doors completely.
“We hope that in a short period of time we have made a positive contribution to our community.”
