I was so saddened, along with many others, to hear that conditions imposed by our council have brought about the closure of Blenheim Gardens Cafe, and it makes me wonder whether anyone will be able to take it on or will it just become another seaside tradition that we have lost?

For over 40 years, myself and members of my family have enjoyed the hospitality of the Griffiths family.

A game of pitch and put, a morning coffee, summer weekends spent listening to the bands whilst enjoying delicious refreshments, had become a way of life enjoyed by so many people, locals and holidaymakers alike.

So an enormous thank you must go to Sue, her brothers and the wonderful staff, for always serving their customers with lots of laughter, banter and a smile. You have been a real tonic and will be missed by all your ‘garden family’. It feels like Blenheim Gardens has lost its heart and soul.

Patricia Curling, Doone Way, Alcombe.