By Margaret Crosby

Last updated 15:57, Wednesday, 23 April 2008

THE organisation that operates Copeland pool and the Whitehaven sports centre will be taking on the running of the new café facility at The Beacon.

Due to open on May 27, the long-awaited café facility will be offering a variety of hot and cold food and will be open from 11am till 4pm on the days when The Beacon is open (closed Mondays).

It will be run by North Country Leisure which has catering experience. The organisation already operates the leisure trust for Copeland swimming pool, Whitehaven sports centre, Whitehaven Civic Hall and Copeland Bowls and Sports Centre (Cleator Moor).

Beacon manager, Sue Palmer said “We’re delighted that the café will be opening soon as we have waited a long time for this. People have been spending longer than expected in the museum itself and have been asking where they can go to grab a quick bite to eat or a coffee. And soon, people will be able to access the café and The Beacon directly from the harbourside as well as via the ramp”.

North Country Leisure’s group catering and retail manager, Stephen Lackenby said that they were delighted to be associated with The Beacon “especially at such an exciting time”.

Elaine Woodburn, leader of Copeland Council said: “It is excellent news that we have found an operator for the Beacon café, and that we’ll have someone in place for the Summer season.

“I am confident that the café will be a resounding success. I for one look forward to taking advantage of the excellent harbourside views. We have seen a brilliant response to the new Beacon, I am sure the café and museum will complement each other perfectly. I would like to wish North Country Leisure every success in this new venture.”