Cafe owner 'heartbroken' by airfield plan closure

Alison Holt said closing was a "massive blow" to both her and her family

The owner of an airfield cafe which is being forced to close by a developer says it has been "a horrible time".

Chocks Away, at Tollerton in Nottinghamshire, has been run by Alison Holt for 13 years but will close on 10 May.

In March, the developer who owns the land gave the airfield and all businesses on it three months notice to quit, with a spokesperson saying their scheme will create hundreds of jobs for local people.

Ms Holt, 61, said the cafe and its customers created a "unique" place and closing was "a heartbreaking decision".

The cafe also hosted various clubs and local groups including SEND children

The decision to close the airport by the Vistry Group has faced fierce local opposition but protests and petitions have not saved it.

A detailed planning application for the first phase of the development, which included demolishing existing airfield buildings and building 400 homes, a primary school and sports pitches, has been submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council.

In March, Vistry served a three-month notice on operator Truman Aviation to leave the site, which will mean the airfield will close on 6 June.

The cafe staff said they made a special effort during big holidays including Christmas

Ms Holt explained why she was closing earlier.

"It was a heartbreaking decision to make that call, to call time on it," she said. "But we have had to be realistic because it is going to take some time to wind it down.

"It's been a horrible time with lots of uncertainty and now the decision has been made it is not really any easier.

"It is a massive blow for myself but also for my family because my daughter has been working as my assistant manager - in fact most of my children have over the years spend some time washing dishes in that kitchen."

An aeroplane theme unsurprisingly dominates the cafe

She felt the cafe had played more of a community role than most coffee shops, hosting events for local clubs and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) children groups.

"Our location is definitely our USP (Unique Selling Point) but I really feel the cafe itself has been such a haven," she said.

"We have lots of people say: 'This is such a lovely place and a step away from the hustle and bustle'.

"You can sit outside and watch the wildlife and watch the aeroplanes and sit and have a nice coffee and some cake.

"I think the community is going to really feel it when we are not there any more."

The cafe also became the home, Ms Hold claimed, of the "£100 breakfast cob" - so named because pilots would spend the money on flying across the country to buy one.

But while she had enjoyed most aspects of running the cafe, one element stood out.

"The customers. Just to share that feeling of awe, particularly with the little ones.

"Just to see the looks on the children's faces when they are sat in the garden and they can see the helicopters and the planes coming right there.

"And lots of the pilots will wave as they go by.

"It is wonderful, it is unique."