The Community Café at the Sports Pavilion on Plovers Rise has been confirmed as a permanent fixture, following a unanimous vote by Kempsey Parish Council.
While the café has been welcomed by many residents as a new social space for the village, documents released under a Freedom of Information (FOI) request have now provided greater insight into the public costs associated with setting up the café.
From Pop-Up to Permanent
The café began as a pop-up pilot in May, attracting 308 visitors for coffee, cake and conversation. Following this trial, councillors voted to make the café a regular Friday operation at the Plovers Rise Sports Pavilion, running through the winter period.
The stated aims of the café include reducing loneliness, creating a welcoming meeting space, and offering volunteering and training opportunities.
What the FOI Response Confirms
In response to an FOI request submitted in December 2025, the Parish Council confirmed that a coffee machine had not yet been purchased at the time of the request. However, three invoices relating to the Community Café project had already been paid prior to 22 December 2025 FOI Request
These include:
- Skip hire for waste removal at the Pavilion site, totalling £408.00 (including VAT) Community Cafe x 3
- Kitchen supply and fit-out items, including cabinets, worktops, sink, taps, appliances and fittings supplied by Howdens, with an estimated total of £4,059.59 (including VAT) Community Cafe x 3
- Reimbursement for a hot water dispenser, purchased from Currys Business at a cost of £62.49 Community Cafe x 3
These figures relate solely to equipment and preparatory works disclosed within the FOI response.
What Is Not Yet Known
The FOI response makes clear that it does not represent the full cost of the Community Café project. Not included within the disclosed invoices are:
- Staffing or ongoing operational costs
- Utilities, maintenance, or future replacement equipment
- Any future purchase of a commercial coffee machine
- Long-term funding or subsidy commitments
As such, the total public cost of running the café on an ongoing basis remains unclear at this stage.
Public Funding and Accountability
For some residents, the café represents a positive investment in community wellbeing. For others, the figures disclosed through the FOI process have raised reasonable questions around value for money, transparency, and long-term sustainability – particularly at a time when parish budgets are under pressure.
The release of the invoices highlights the importance of clear reporting and open discussion around how public funds are allocated and managed.
An Ongoing Conversation
The Community Café is now operational, but discussion around its costs and future funding is likely to continue. Kempsey.co.uk will continue to report on:
- Any further FOI disclosures
- Updated cost or usage figures
- Decisions taken by the Parish Council relating to the café
Residents are encouraged to review the available information, attend council meetings where possible, and engage constructively with local decision-making.