Morrisons cafe closure would be ‘devastating and isolating’ for OAPs, MP says as 17 stores to shut in DAYS
AN MP has stepped in to warn that the closure of a Morrisons cafe would be “devastating and isolating” for local pensioners.
One of the supermarket’s eateries in Cowgate, Newcastle, is chalked for closure – to residents’ great dismay.
The Cowgate cafe is one of 52 earmarked for closure nationwide, along with 17 entire stores that will begin to shut down within days.
During a visit to the doomed cafe, Newcastle Central and West MP Chi Onwurah heard about the impact the closure would inflict.
After listening to the concerns, the Labour MP said it would be “truly devastating and isolating for many older members of the community”.
Lots of OAPs rely on communal spaces, such as this Morrisons cafe, for warmth in the winter and company all year round.
This particular cafe is also a regular meeting place for local groups.
It even hosts a local charity that helps people aged 50+ and their carers.
Onwurah has received lots of letters from locals expressing their disappointment at the decision to close the cafe.
Standing up for her constituents, the MP said she is concerned by the lack of an alternative “community hub” for people to use.
The MP also vowed to explore all options in attempting to keep the doors of the cafe open.
During the trip, Onwurah was given a tour of the store by its manager – who is also upset to see the food station close.
However, the manager has been informed that the cafe is not profitable, despite efforts to improve efficiency by changing the menu.
The MP, visiting alongside local councillors, also met members of Search – the Newcastle-based OAP charity.
From them she heard about the mental health benefits of the cafe to older residents of Blakelaw, Cowgate and the West End.
Onwurah said: “I am truly saddened to hear about the proposed closure of Morrisons Cowgate Café.
“The closure of the café will be truly devastating and isolating for many older members of the community.
“I am pressing to ensure all options have been explored to keep the café open, and I am eager to see this fantastic community hub kept alive.”
Rami Baitiéh, chief executive of Morrisons, previously said: “The changes we are announcing are a necessary part of our plans to renew and reinvigorate Morrisons and enable us to focus our investment into the areas that customers really value and that can play a full part in our growth.”
“Morrisons Cafés are rightly famous for their great quality well-priced food, their place in the local community and their appealing mix of traditional favourites alongside exciting new dishes.
“In most locations the Morrisons Café has a bright future, but a minority have specific local challenges and in those locations, regrettably, closure and re-allocation of the space is the only sensible option.”