Many have expressed upset after a café at a popular recreation ground in Wokingham is set to shut its doors following a decision made by the local council.

Cantley Park café caters to visitors who frequently use the huge range of sports facilities including an Astro Turf pitch, a 3G pitch, and nine tennis courts.

The venue is also known to hold multiple sporting events throughout the year which attracts hoards of spectators from across Wokingham and beyond.

Despite the huge array of facilities on offer, Wokingham Borough Council has decided to close the eatery because it is 'running at a loss'.

According to residents, this is going to be a huge loss for people who use the park on a regular basis.

“Wow how absolutely appalling of Wokingham Borough Council to be so totally ineffective at running a small business to make it profitable and put the community that use the facilities at the bottom of the considerable pile,” one member of the public said.

“It wasn’t even open that much. Maybe they could have changed their opening hours as being open in the evenings when football was on would have given them some extra income.”

However, some were sympathetic to the council’s decision to close the café.

One person said “It’s not enough if it’s running at a loss. Using council funds to run a loss-making café is a luxury Wokingham Borough Council can’t afford when they are so badly funded from central government.”

Although the café will be closed in due course, the council has said that they are offering opportunities for mobile caterers who could offer a range of seasonal, temporary, or permanent facilities.

This would therefore allow people to access food and drinks when at the park.

The building has been marketed to several local businesses interested in moving to Cantley Park.

Executive member for environment, sport and leisure Cllr Ian Shenton said: “Like many local authorities around the county, we face unprecedented financial challenges. It is extremely tough financially for everyone, from residents to local businesses. Councils are no different and not immune to these challenges.

“We have to ensure frontline services are protected and that we make the best use of our assets to generate income.”

Wokingham Borough Council has said that a new business may be moving into the unit soon.

A closing date for the café has not been confirmed yet by the council.