For many people in Bury St Edmunds, the café inside the Waterstones store is more than just a place to grab a coffee. I personally visit this café around twice a week, and it's the main reason I find myself in the shop. My routine of enjoying a coffee often results in purchasing books or gifts. During Christmas, I spent a significant amount of money there at Christmas, drawn in by the inviting atmosphere of the café. Just last week, I bought my husband’s birthday gifts and more books simply because I was already in the store. Without the café, my visits would dwindle, and like many others, I'd likely turn to online shopping instead.

This café is not just vital to me but to the fabric of our town. It's a welcoming, accessible space filled with patrons of all ages. Whether it's older residents, families, or individuals, this café serves everyone. It's consistently busy, which highlights its value in the community. The social function it serves extends beyond simply serving coffee; it's a hub for social interaction, a safe haven for a quiet moment, and a place for friends and strangers alike to connect.

The decision to close this café ignores the vibrant community life it supports. Waterstones as a bookstore stands to lose not just its café but the enrichment it brings to its customers’ experience. The closure not only disregards the loyal patrons but also threatens the very essence of what makes the store vibrant and inviting; it's not just about selling books, but fostering a lively community of book lovers who gather and share.

We urge the management of Waterstones to reconsider this decision. Keeping the café open is in the best interest of the community, the store, and the customers, who frequent it not only for coffee but for the integral experience it provides. By saving the café, Waterstones will maintain its role as a cherished part of our town, a place where people want to spend their time and money.

Please sign this petition to help save a vital part of our community and encourage Waterstones to rethink its decision. Together, we can ensure that this much-loved café continues to thrive in Bury St Edmunds.