Anger as popular cafe closes at town library

The Pantry, located on the top floor of the town’s West Gate library, closed on Friday - two years after opening at the newly-refurbished library.

The cafe has become a popular venue for community groups and older residents who want a quiet drink away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre.

But many were left fuming after Nottinghamshire County Council revealed that they plan to replace the snack bar with vending machines.

Staff at the cafe confirmed that the diner was closing at the end of last week and said that two employees had been told they would lose their jobs as a result of the closure, by operator Churchill Catering.

Library user David Alton said: “I really can’t understand the logic behind this decision. I think fewer people will use it if they have to get a drink from a vending machine. I think if a bit more effort had been put into it then it would have been more profitable.”

Linda Turner, team manager for libraries at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We are disappointed with what has happened but we have kept staff and customers informed of developments and remain committed to providing a quality customer experience at Mansfield Library.”