The loss of a community cafe on one of Stockport's busiest high streets has sparked fears that more shops in the area could be in danger of closing.

The Olive ROC Centre, based on Castle Street in Edgeley, announced last week that it will be closing its doors for the last time at the end of August after struggling to make ends meet.

The charity organisation, which is run with the help of volunteers, sells food and drink, and aims to attract local residents with low prices. It shared the news about its closure in a Facebook post, telling customers that it "just can't make the books balance".

The announcement led to an outpouring of emotion from regular visitors, with one writing on the social media post that the cafe has had an 'an immense presence' in the area, and offered "support and care to all who walk through the door".

Andy, one of the volunteers and casual workers at the Olive, said that despite trying to increase prices, the cafe was not making enough money to keep going.

He added: "We had to raise prices in April, but we can't do that too much because we want to be affordable. It is very much a community place, it's very sad to see it closing. But we won't be the last one to go in the area."

Miranda, 30, another volunteer at the cafe, added: "This place gives people a purpose. It will be very sad when it's gone. It's a lifeline to many older people who come here to meet others."

Castle Street in Edgeley (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Local councillor Matt Wynne, leader of the Edgeley Community Association, said the closure is concerning for the future of Castle Street. The area is a busy focal point for people in the neighbourhood, and a popular haunt for Stockport County fans due to its proximity to Edgeley Park football stadium.

Cllr Wynne told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): "The Olive is more of a community cafe and the space it provides for that, rather than just the food and drink, but at the end of the day that's what keeps things open.

"It's quite a worry - it's a big unit that needs to be filled. But there's no overriding district centre strategy for the area. We have a fantastic district centre manager, but the only strategy is that he gets £5,000 a year, that's it, there is nothing else.

"Council leader Mark Hunter said he was going to put rocket boosters on district centres, but we have got nothing. There's no plan or strategy. It's been left up to us or nothing happens.

"I've been banging my head against the wall on this for years but the penny hasn't dropped for the cabinet members in charge."

In April, Mr Wynne shared concerns that Castle Street had been "neglected" and was dominated by vape shops and takeaways. Stockport council said it has worked closely with businesses on Castle Street to make the area an exciting place to be – and that footfall is growing.

A new outdoor seating area on Castle Street in Edgeley (Image - Stockport Council)

Cllr Colin MacAlister, cabinet member for economy and regeneration at Stockport council, said: "We've been working hand in hand with businesses, community groups, and partners to breathe new life into Edgeley, making it a vibrant hub that draws more visitors and creates a buzz around the area.

"Figures for May and June saw a 5 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

"We've invested in creating an inviting new outdoor seating area on Castle Street, alongside beautiful new planters to enhance the visitor experience – with even more to come.

"Whilst it is obviously disappointing to see any business not be able to continue, the latest vacancy rate in Edgeley is 5.1pc compared to a national average of 14pc and a North West average of 11.4pc.

"There is a long-term commitment to our district centres and it's exciting to see several new retailers set to open soon, reflecting the growing confidence in Edgeley as a thriving, popular destination."

He added that the council's work to improve the area has included organising events such as the Worker Bee Markets, and supporting projects which have created new artwork and murals around the area.

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