A POPULAR cafe that has been run by the same family for more than 30 years will go out to tender in two years’ time.

Bournemouth Council said it needs to ensure it is getting the best value for the Kings Park cafe and cricket pavilion.

They are giving Keith and Anita Woodward, who currently run the cafe and live in a flat attached to the pavilion, two years to decide whether they want to bid for the contract.

Mr Woodward said they would definitely be doing so. “We weren’t very happy when they first mentioned it, but they’ve told us that because we are a long-term tenant here we have a really good chance of getting the lease renewed,” he said.

“They’ve got to put it out to tender, but they are very happy with what we are doing here and certainly we want to carry on doing it. It’s been in the family since 1985 and we’re not ready to stop yet.”

The council has agreed a 16 per cent increase in rent with Mr and Mrs Woodward for the next two years.

Cllr Lawrence Williams, cabinet member for leisure and tourism and ward councillor, said: “The current tenant and their family have provided an excellent service over the years and the officers have met with them to explain the situation.

“We would welcome them to submit a tender to continue the running of the facility.”