Hunmanby cafe manager: 'Energy bill rise tough for voluntary sector'

The Spring Cafe on Stonegate in Hunmanby is used by the community

Author: Karen LiuPublished 8th Sep 2022

The manager of a cafe in Hunmanby says it is going to be very difficult for them if their energy bills go up because the community relies on them heavily.

The new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, is expected to make an announcement on tackling the cost of living crisis today.

Joy Ossai, manager of Spring Cafe on Stonegate in the village, said: "I think the most important thing is that as well the business sector, there's a big voluntary sector and both are worried about what's going to happen. The sooner we learn about how much our bills are going to really rise, what's going to happen if there's going to be any packages the better; so in other words, just get on with it and come out with what's going to happen in the future.

"So far we haven't got notification about what our bill is likely to be so we're guessing it'll be very, very difficult for us because our bills will maybe go up. How do you manage that in a community setting where you want to help the community? The community is getting into bigger need themselves.

"We need to meet the needs of the community and the needs are increasing. If we're not here, then that's one big loss to the village. If we lose the cafe because of costs and things like that, then there's nowhere that the villagers can turn to.

"If you didn't have this building where would people go within Hunmanby? We're a different set up to professional cafes. We work with the Carers Association, we work with Brownies and Guides, church youth groups. You name it, it happens. Walk in any time we're open and we'll tell you about anything that is happening."

Find out more about what is taking place weekly at Spring Cafe in Hunmanby on the All Saints Church website.

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