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Self-service vending kiosk built to replace cafe draws negative reaction

A snack kiosk built to replace a demolished cafe has drawn a negative community reaction from Whitley Bay, U.K., with many residents calling it a "garden shed" and a disgrace to the community.

June 22, 2015

A self-service vending kiosk built to replace a U.K. seaside café in Whitley Bay, has drawn a negative community reaction, according to a report by Chronicle Live. Residents claim the new kiosk looks like a "garden shed" and is an eyesore in the community.

The café, known as Boardwalk Café was demolished this year after going into liquidation. There was a large community opposition to the demolition, and now many residents are unhappy with its kiosk replacement.

"This is something of a travesty," resident Carol Marr said in an interview with Chronicle Live. "We were able to sit and enjoy the view with a meal and a drink up to last summer. It was a unique beach cafe once in a perfect situation. Now reduced to a shed."

However, the Whitley Bay city council is optimistic about the kiosk's success. "The kiosk is the same design as those in Whitley Park and Cullercoats Bay, which are both very successful, and we fully anticipate the kiosk on Watts Slope will also be a great success and will be a popular addition to our coastline," an unnamed council spokesperson said. "We worked with vendors operating along the coastline to decide the design and layout of the kiosk."