My wife and I moved to Minehead in 1972 and soon discovered the beautiful, interesting and peaceful Blenheim Gardens, the icing on the cake being the Saturday or Sunday band concerts in the summer.

Over the years things have changed, and in recent years the council has imposed financial restraints such as cutting back in gardening staff, but thanks to the help of a few dedicated volunteers the necessary work has still be carried out, with the beds and borders maintained in pristine condition.

The same restraints caused the cessation of the band concerts for a period, but they are now thankfully restored due to a change of heart, common sense and a donation from the council.

Now to learn that the gardens’ café is closing due to the imposition of a new lease calling for maintenance conditions and an increased rent is most upsetting.

Is the council aware of how people of all ages like to sit outdoors enjoying refreshments and socialising, and watching children playing on the many toys etc provided by the café?

I have always found the refreshments and drinks of many varieties very reasonably priced, and as a 91-year-old on a disability scooter, I will certainly miss having a coffee brought outside to me by a member of the café team.

Summer band concerts often attract quite a large number of both local people and holidaymakers, and many of these use deckchairs available on hire from the cafe. In the interval, people invariably make to the café for refreshments.

Who will now look after the putting green equipment if not available from the café, or its that going to be closed too?

We see and hear much about Minehead being a fine town for holidaymakers to visit, yet the closure of the café and its amenities will certainly be a disappointment and a deterrent to many people who visit year after year.

Finally, if no one come forward to take over the lease, how long will it be before the café building is vandalised, only to become an eyesore which will eventually have to be demolished?

Eric Green, Broadlands Retirement Home, Minehead.