A COMMUNITY cafe has launched at a Kidderminster park as a collaborative project between Wyre Forest Special School and the Friends of Springfield Park.

Blossom Tree Cafe in Springfield Park was opened by Kidderminster Mayor, Councillor Mary Rayner, and will be open term time only, on Tuesday and Wednesday between 9.30am and 11.30am, and Thursday between 12.30pm and 2pm.

Jo Knight, from Wyre Forest Special School, said: "Community feedback highlighted the need for a cafe and toilets in Springfield Park. Friends of Springfield Park were able to purchase a portacabin from 106 money - this money also funded the alterations inside it to create two disabled toilets, a kitchenette and seating area.

"Friends of Springfield Park applied for Big Local DY10 funding to furnish the interior and also for their volunteers to take the Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate.

"It is proposed that the Friends group run the cafe in school holidays and weekends. With this in mind, myself, a member of the Friends group and teaching support at Wyre Forest School set about joining the two interests together with support from Rebekah Thompson, sixth form phase leader.

"September 2016 saw the sixth form from Wyre Forest School research local community cafes with a view to setting up their own pop-up cafe. The students then applied for positions within the cafe and voted on a cafe name.

"Blossom Tree Cafe was set up. The aim is to provide a community facility in Springfield Park while giving Wyre Forest School students employability and life skills.

"Wyre Forest School successfully applied to the Lottery Unlimited Star People Award. This is a package of funding and support to help Star People begin their journey as community entrepreneurs. Councillor Mary Rayner has also supported the venture."