A POPULAR cafe has received messages of support from residents and even a TV star after it was announced they could be forced to close.

Lori’s Cafe, housed inside Beaconsfield Railway Station, is under threat after the owners were sent a notice from Chiltern Railways saying they would have to close while refurbishment work was ongoing.

Although they will be able to operate a temporary cafe at the station, the owner was also told the lease would be ended at the start of 2015 – six months earlier than planned.

However, the business has received backing from many commuters, with Downton Abbey star Joanne Froggatt, even tweeting her support.

The actress is famous for her role as Anna Bates in the period drama.

 

A petition to save the cafe has also been started.

On the petition, Beaconsfield residents and London commuter, Bob Massie, said: “Lori's Café has been providing a great service for Beaconsfield commuters for more than eight years with great-tasting coffee, pastries, newspapers... and the best bacon butties in Bucks".

A Chiltern Railways spokesman said: “As part of the ongoing improvements at Beaconsfield Station, we have issued a six month notice to the coffee shop to vacate for redevelopment purposes.

“During this time, should they wish to, Lori’s Cafe are able to operate a temporary café at the station.

“Following the works a tender process will be undertaken for the new facilities.”

It is understood, the owners of the railway cafe are planning to apply to keep the business when the lease is put out to tender.

To view the petition please click here.