It is with great regret that we need to inform you that Green Finch Cafe will not reopen in Spring 2022 nor anytime soon.

Despite being popular and financially viable and weathering Covid, we are forced to close simply because of the arcane lending criteria of the banks and building societies.

We need a new mortgage deal on the house, Railway Cottage which we live in next door to the cafe.

Because the house is next to the cafe, a business, we cannot get a mortgage from any banks nor building societies. This includes via Lloyds, Natwest, Halifax, Cumberland, Furness, Skipton, to name a few.

5 brokers have tried and failed.

Politicians of all colours from Lancaster, Morecambe and Lonsdale are aware and have simply shrugged their shoulders. Local councillors have done the same.

The theory is that if the house were ever repossessed, it would be difficult to sell being next to a business, a business which belongs to the owners of the house. Many of you will know the property. Do you think the property would be difficult to sell ?. Indeed in the UK in 2022 would any property be difficult to sell ? The key to a sale is the price not some arcane, nonsensical criteria

The loan to value is around 50% at worse and probably much lower.

To recap. The business is viable,popular, profitable.

We want to run the business.

We want employ people.

We want to provide a nice cafe in a lovely spot.

We and indeed you might not be able to change this but this petition gives you all a chance to voice your concerns.

• Express your dismay !
• Ask why this silly rule is in place ?
• Ask why no one in authority is bothered about changing this ?
• Show your support for small local businesses, a business which in turn supports other small business in & around Lancaster.
• Show your support for small businesses. Businesses which have survived Covid and should be essential to 'Building back Better'.

If anyone needs more detail or information please don't hesitate to contact us. We have been at this for over a year and really have asked all the questions and explored every option.

Thanks for your support.