PARK users are campaigning against a decision on who runs a new park cafe.

Javier Pias has run Le Cafe in Avery Hill Park, New Eltham, for five years, but Friday (May 14) will be his last day.

The previous cafe burnt down in October 2005 and the following year a steel container replaced it.

Mr Pias, of St Donatt's Road, New Cross, has run the cafe from it since then.

Greenwich Council then asked people to bid to run a new cafe which has been built in the park and opens next month.

Mr Pias, 46, was only notified his bid had been unsuccessful after Town & Country Catering was given the contract.

He said: “I don’t have anything to do. I have nothing at all. I will have to go to the job centre.”

The father-of-two added: “I’m very unhappy. I feel like I have lost years of my life.”

Around 30 people visited the park to protest against the council’s decision and support Mr Pias.

Pauline Girdwood, of Gerda Road, Eltham, said: “He is losing his business after struggling for four years in a cabin. He has a strong customer base who have been very loyal over the years and he is well liked.”

Council leader Councillor Chris Roberts said: “The council is of course keenly aware of the difficulties under which Mr Pias has been operating but these in themselves cannot affect the outcome of what is a commercial decision based on the best offer.

“Mr Pias’s bid was a long way from being the best tender.”