A NEW riverside cafe has been opened by Bexley Council in the revamped Waterside Gardens in Crayford.

The council had chosen a private company to run the cafe, called Willows, but economic circumstances forced it to pull out.

Bexley is now retendering the project, but in the meantime, the council has taken over day-to-day running of the business until March next year, when it is hoped a commercial business will be able to take over.

The cafe, open between 10am and 4,30pm serves tea and coffee, cakes and light meals and sandwiches.

Councillor Linda Bailey, cabinet member for regeneration said: “Waterside Gardens has something for everyone and the cafe is a way of bringing the community together to share it.”