Thousands of people have signed an online petition in a bid to save the Vaults & Garden cafe in Oxford from closure.
Last month, Will Pouget, director of the cafe in Radcliffe Square, told the Oxford Mail how he was planning a series of celebrations to mark two decades of serving thousands of customers from all over the world.
But those celebrations were overshadowed by a notice to quit from the Parochial Church Council of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin.
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The university church Parochial Church Council (PCC) wants to create a new social enterprise at the Old Congregation House, where the cafe is based, and complete repairs to stonework, replanting of the gardens and a major redevelopment of the cafe facilities.
An online petition has now been launched to 'Save the Vaults & Garden' and has so far attracted more than 6,200 signatures, with a view to reaching a target of 7,500.
The petition says: "Founder, Will Pouget, and the operating company have been given three months' notice to quit by the parochial church council of St Mary's church, which leases the property from the university."
It adds: "The operating company, Fresh Connection, has £400,000 invested in the business which will be lost and faces a redundancy liability of £100,000 in dismissing its 70 employees at such short notice.
"The Vaults has become one of the most successful restaurants in Oxford and has gained a reputation for its good quality food offerings at affordable prices."
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Mr Pouget, who is delighted by the support shown in the petition, added: "The terms of the three-month notice to quit are unfair and do not reflect the 20 years we have spent building up a substantial and thriving business employing 70 staff, nor the amount of capital investment we have made into the business.
"The church intends to close us down before it has applied for planning permission and listed building consent before it has performed the required public consultations.
"This will all take a considerable amount of time and the necessary permissions may well be refused.
"To close the cafe now for well over 18 months will effectively destroy the business, its staff and its customer base from which the church benefits financially from over £100k of income without any administrative costs."
Mr Pouget added that he was open to talks with the church in a bid to find a solution and avoid legal action.
The PCC said earlier that its plans have been in development for almost two years, and include revamping cramped toilet facilities, improving accessibility at the tower door, and refitting electrical appliances.
In its latest statement the PCC said: "The café in the old Congregation House at University Church is not disappearing, but it is in urgent need of attention and must be redeveloped.
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"We’re pleased to say that our plans are progressing, and that the PCC has now committed £750,000 to the building works, with a further significant sum for the the landscaping and planting of the square.
"The café will shortly close for redevelopment. When it reopens in spring 2025, the space will be greener, better ventilated, and more accessible.
"Run as a social enterprise, our café will prioritise working with local suppliers and the quality of produce at prices fair to all.
"We’re grateful for the positive correspondence we’ve received and are looking forward to sharing architect's drawings and further information about this exciting project in the months to come."
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About the author
Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here.
He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.
His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning.
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