NOT for the first time, this week I was approached by visitors to Ledbury, who after 4pm, asked me where they can get a snack and a cup of tea or coffee.

Reason being, all the cafes seem to be closed or in the process of closing at 4.30pm.

The last time I bothered to have a quick cuppa at 4.15pm, I was told by the member of staff who served me quite sharply: “We are closing in 15 minutes,” as though it was a great intrusion to even think of taking a breather and having a quick drink to refresh myself while waiting for the bus.

If this is the cafe owners’ way of encouraging people to come and visit this fair town, then they are being complacent in my humble view.

I’m often looking for a place to have a coffee in the mornings when I come into Ledbury to do early shopping but find many places don’t even open their doors before 10am.

What is the point of opening at all if your then closing halfway through the afternoon?

I suggest cafe owners take a step over the channel where you can get service from at least 8am, if not earlier, through to early evening and later.

I am not suggesting the same needs to apply here, but I do think if you’re going to provide a food and beverage service and attract visitors to the town it would be nice to see these facilities provided from at least 9am to 5.30pm.

B WATSON

Bartestree

Herefordshire