We are very pleased that Southwark Council is going to build a much-needed new cafe in Southwark Park. However, this good news is spoiled by the proposal to demolish the existing cafe building once the new one is up and running in 2017.

The Friends of Southwark Park believe that the current building is far from derelict and with a little investment and tender loving care could be put to useful park purposes. It could be a space for local schools and children’s groups when they visit the park; a centre for our bee and other park projects; and a space where we could put on a free access permanent display about the history of Southwark Park. The demolition of the building will remove a familiar landmark, incur unnecessary costs and spoil the view near one of the park's main entrances in Gomm Road.

We call upon all who enjoy Southwark Park to sign our petition to Councillor Maisie Anderson, Southwark Council Cabinet Member for Public Health, Parks and Leisure. We ask Maisie to reject the demolition of a community asset and work with us to secure a positive future for the building.