A CHARITY has taken over the running of a country park cafe.

Groundwork North Wales will take over the café at Alyn Waters Country Park, on behalf of Wrexham Council, from April.

The café is currently managed by the Council and is used by walkers, runners, cyclists, anglers and families visiting the country park as well as those participating in Pedal Power, the all ability cycling service which Groundwork North Wales work with Cycling 4 All to provide.

Groundwork will be launching new menus and refurbishing the café to create a welcoming place for the community to come together in an inclusive way and for park visitors to enjoy sustainably sourced food and drink.

The menu will include food from some of the finest producers in Wales sourced locally and nationally. The new name for the café will be Caffi Cyfle, which means café of opportunity.

Groundwork North Wales will also take over the management of the conference facilities at Alyn Waters, continuing to provide a venue for businesses to host meetings, seminars and other events in a modern, purpose built setting with beautiful views and access to excellent catering.

The café will close for one week from March 25 for refurbishments to take place, reopening with fresh décor and new menus on Friday, April 5, opening daily.

There will also be a launch event for members of the community, current users of the park and Friends of Alyn Waters from 12pm to 3pm which everyone is welcome to attend.

Karen Balmer, Chief Executive of Groundwork North Wales said: “Caffi Cyfle will continue the great work already undertaken by the Council to support the local community and we will continue to provide, and indeed develop, the range of inclusive employment and volunteering opportunities available through the café.

“We have put together a menu which reflects the best of Welsh produce mixed with our own flair to excite and tantalise our customers’ taste buds. We hope it will create a loyal following amongst both the local community and visitors to the area, both for those visiting the park and as a destination in its own right. “

Cllr David A Bithell, lead member for environment and transport, said: “We’re very pleased to be able to announce that Groundwork North Wales will be responsible for managing the cafe at Alyn Waters on our behalf, continuing the excellent work which has already taken place and that the cafe will continue in providing both a service for the community and opportunities for those who need them.”

Cllr Joan Lowe, lead member for health and adult social care, added: “It’s excellent news that Groundwork North Wales will be taking on the cafe at Alyn Waters.

“It’s been an excellent place for individuals with learning difficulties to learn new skills, and has provided them with some much-appreciated opportunities and work. And the new name, Caffi Cyfle, embodies that spirit.

“Groundwork are very well placed to continue that work, and we look forward to working with them once they take on the cafe at the start of April.”