An interim operator has been chosen to keep the hub in Lloyd Park open after Waltham Forest College pulled out of managing it.

Chicchi Café has signed a six month contract to provide a catering service for the hub.

The council will take over the running from this Saturday.

The café will be closed on Thursday and Friday this week but arrangements for refreshments and toilets have been made.

Chris Robbins, leader of Waltham Forest council said: “I am pleased that we have found a new interim operator for the café, and we are continuing to work with the Friends of Lloyd Park to ensure that the hub building reaches its potential as a vibrant centre for the park that residents will be able to use and enjoy all year round.”

The council is planning to make the community room in the Hub building available for hire from 16 November.

Metin Esen, owner of Chicchi runs the cafe in Leyton Jubilee Park.

The reason for Waltham Forest College reliquishing its mangement of the hub has not been revealed.