Sheffield Liberal Democrats Welcome Partial Re-Opening of Rose Garden Cafe

The Liberal Democrats in Sheffield have welcomed the long overdue news that the Rose Garden Cafe will partially re-open this week, offering takeaway services to the community. However, Sheffield Liberal Democrats have called on the Council to secure the building for future generations. It is worth noting a property appraisal conducted in 2018 revealed the disrepair of the cafe, which was suddenly closed in July due to roofing issues.

Local Councillor Ian Auckland said, "I’m really pleased that the campaign has secured this step forward. Graves Park is the largest park in Sheffield and we need to protect it and invest in it.

"Unfortunately, the Rose Garden Cafe has suffered from year after year of underfunding from the council as trustee of the charity - and now our community is paying the price. The campaign to keep the Rose Garden Cafe open is evidence of the strength of feeling within the community and across Sheffield. It is clear that this cafe means a great deal to many people, and we must do all we can to protect it - and Graves Park.”

Liberal Democrat campaigner for Graves Park, Mohammed Mahroof, added, "This news is a fantastic early Christmas present for so many people who have worked so hard to save the Rose Garden Cafe.

"It's great to see it partially re-open, but we must now ensure that the Council takes the necessary steps to secure the building and protect it for future generations. My Liberal Democrat colleagues in Graves Park and Beauchief & Greenhill have each secured £10,000 funding for the Cafe, now we need Sheffield City Council to also commit to saving the heart of the city's largest park.”

The Liberal Democrats in Sheffield will continue to work alongside Local Friends Groups, Save the Rose Garden Cafe Campaign and the community to ensure that the Rose Garden Cafe and Graves Park are protected and preserved for the enjoyment of all.