Hackney Green Party has joined in local traders' outrage that it will only allow caterers with a turnover of at least £1 million to tender for running the Clissold Park cafe.

The Council argues that this is to ensure that the eventual winner is sustainable.  But this high threshold will make it impossible for many local caterers to bid and makes it more likely that a chain would take it over, despite the Council's stated commitment to local businesses.

Anna Hughes on behalf of Hackney Green Party, commented:

"The Council is looking at this in the wrong way. Having a £1m turnover doesn't prevent a company from going bust.  This policy will mean that the Council is missing an opportunity to encourage business diversity, especially from Hackney's wide range of caterers.  Small caterers (who may have traded successfully for many years and know what they are doing) are more able to respond to customers' demands than a large outfit or a chain. The distinctive venue of Clissold Mansion merits a distinctive cafe, not a clone catering operation."

www.greenparty.org.uk 19/05/2011