Pine Tree to close

Directors and Management of St Michael's Hospice have announced the end of the cafe in St Leonards Road on September 19.

Trading Manager Chris Jones commented: "The closure is due to increasing operational costs which have meant that a restaurant/coffee shop is no longer financially viable.

"We would like to offer our sincere thanks to all staff and volunteers for their support and help over the years at The Pine Tree, without which it would have not been possible to raise vital funds for St Michael's Hospice."

The restaurant has six paid staff members, including the chef and assistant chef, and approximately 30 volunteers. They were informed of the decision last Friday.

Chris said: "There was a lot of tears and sadness but they understand why."

"Our main priority is now to assist our staff in finding suitable employment and to find positions with the organisation for our large group of volunteers.

"It is important to us that St Michael's Hospice retains a strong presence in Bexhill, where we know we have many loyal supporters and we are therefore currently in discussion with commercial agents to secure a site for a St Michael's Hospice Charity Shop."