A CAFE which has served thousands of residents and visitors to Marlow over the last six years ago closed its doors this week.

Cafe in the Park, which opened in Wycombe District Council's building in Higginson Park in 2008, served its final drinks and snacks on Monday.

Owner Carly Trisk-Grove spoke to the BFP last month about the difficulty turning a profit after she signed a 10-year lease, claiming she was "naive" about the costs.

She also claimed the building was "not fit for purpose" and that only a large chain could make the venture work becuase of the costs involved in heating the shelter construction.

A planning application is currently ongoing to erect advertising boards and turn the building into a Costa franchise.

The plans, which are yet to be ruled by WDC, include building work to fill in the gaps around the top of the shelter, replacement of doors and windows and air conditioning.

The proposal has drawn complaints from residents, who claim the park’s picturesque views will be ruined if advertising is allowed.

WDC says advertising relating to the operator is permitted, but that any changes would have to be approved through the planning process.

It also confirmed any alterations would be paid for the leaseholder and not the taxpayer.