TWICKENHAM'S riverside cafe was re-opened by Richmond Council this week, three weeks after its previous owners were turfed out.
Cafe Sunshine is staffed by people with learning disabilities and will be open until work on the controversial riverside project begins.
Arthur's By The River closed its doors last month after the council refused to extend its lease. The popular cafe has acted as a headquarters for those campaigning against development plans for the area and hosted an exhibition of alternative uses for the riverside, which the council wants to see transformed into a housing and river centre complex.
Richmond Council's cabinet member for adult services, health and housing Denise Carr said the cafe was an opportunity for those with learning disabilities to get in to work. "I am delighted that Cafe Sunshine is open for business," she said.
"The council has run a cafe for many years staffed by people with learning disabilities and this new location will expand the opportunities available for work and independence for this group.
"The cafe will be open seven days a week and I hope people will take advantage of the great service on offer."
The cafe has been running for a year from the business centre in Grimwood Road, Twickenham, which houses Power Employment, a council service that helps disabled people find work.
