UNCERTAINTY surrounds the future of a library café after the council said it was going to review the service due to it not generating enough income.

A local resident contacted the World to say that since the lifting of lockdown the café at Halton Lea library was currently only offering a takeaway service and that the seating area was still off limits.

In an email exchange seen by the World, the resident was allegedly told by a council officer that there had been a delay in reopening the café due to Covid, but that the reason it had not yet returned to a full sit down service was due to ‘operational reasons’ with staffing being the 'main factor'.

The resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “My friends and I can't understand why the cafe has not fully reopened.

"Despite the comment regarding staff shortages, we know this isn't true.

"We are concerned that they are trying to close the cafe which would be such a huge loss in our small town as it is very well used.

"Runcorn seems to be at the back of the queue when it comes to shops, cafes, restaurants and amenities.”

A council spokeswoman has since confirmed to the World that the café’s future was under review before the pandemic due to the impact on business of other local venues.

She said: “The café was going to be reviewed as we went into the pandemic as it was no longer a profitable business for the council due to increased competition in the local area.

“The review was understandably delayed and is now further delayed while we recruit into the vacant library manager role.”