CYCLING, running and walking groups have given their support to plans to reopen a tea room in Great Budworth.

David Critchley is seeking planning permission to open the business at Providence Cottage in Church Street.

The scheme has received overwhelming backing from cyclists, runners and ramblers, with Lyme Racing Club saying it would ‘love to see an historic café like this opening again’.

A book entitled Memories of Great Budworth says – “Mrs Hart and daughter Mrs Carter at Providence Cottage, Church Street, made lunches and teas for cycling clubs, and catered for parties and funerals.

“At weekends the walls along Church Street were proposed up with many bicycles.”

Mr Critchley is seeking planning approval from Cheshire West and Chester Council for a change of use of a domestic lounge to a tea room, which would employ four staff.

Bob Norton, chairman of Congleton Cycling Club, said: “We like the proposal for a tea room in Great Budworth.

“Many of our club rides come through the village, and it is one of Cheshire’s most beautiful places. Its attraction can only be enhanced by the presence of a tea room.

“Our club would certainly stop there for refreshment and make it a destination for some club rides.”

Phil Fern, secretary and runs captain at The Cheshire Roads Club, said in recent years Great Budworth had been a regular stop on a Sunday afternoon for a drink and a cake at the village hall, but this was only seasonal.

“I hope David will be given the opportunity to resurrect a tea room in his home,” he said.

Warrington Road Club secretary Alan Ottiwell said the tea room would be a welcome addition to the facilities in the area, and was sure it would become a popular attraction with Cheshire cyclists.

“We often walk in the picturesque area around Great Budworth, and fully support the reopening of the tea room at Providence Cottage,” said Gwen Sidgwick, secretary of Stockport Ramblers, which has more than 500 members.

“We will certainly be using the café whenever we are in the area.”

Audlem Cycling Club said it would put Great Budworth on its calendar of club runs if there was a cyclists’ café there.