Hi,

Apologies, as you might have worked out this is the first change.org petition I've done �

Following on from the last update it seems you can't see the full letter from Cllr Burke, there seems to be no way to attach it to I'm pasting it here:

Annwyl / Dear  Ms French

The Secret Garden Cafe

Thank you for your recent email.

By way of background the tenancy for the Secret Garden Café which covered a five-year term came to an end on 24th March 2023 and a new form of management agreement and associated lease are now required. While the Council understands the uncertainty that this causes the existing operator, under the Council’s procurement rules, as governed by the Constitution, a direct award cannot be made in these circumstances.

A robust procurement process, designed to ensure best value for public money, and in line with standard Council procurement in the form of a new management agreement and associated lease is expected to commence on 5th June with the tender being openly advertised to the market through Sell 2 Wales and the procurement portal, Proactis.  I have encouraged Ms Bootham to make a bid so that it can be considered alongside any other bids received from other potential operators.

Pending the conclusion of the procurement exercise, the Council has agreed an interim arrangement so that the current operator can remain in place during the transition to the new arrangements, and an offer to extend this arrangement for an additional month, all the way through the busy summer season until September has been made. If Ms Bootham were to put in a successful bid, she would continue under the new arrangements, after that point. I can also confirm that Ms Bootham is not being evicted but a formal Notice to Quit has been issued, as this is a legal requirement.

It is the Council’s aim to continue to offer access to toilets in the park, maintain the site's facilities and offering, for the enjoyment of visitors to it.

Yn gywir / Yours sincerely

Cynghorydd / Councillor Jennifer Burke

Aelod Cabinet dros Ddiwylliant, Parciau, Digwyddiadau a Lleoliadau

Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks, Events and Venues