THE stalwart pensioner who has run the Shed Cafe for nearly 20 years at Tenbury Livestock Market has spoken of her sadness at its impending closure.

Dorothy Haynes, from Greet, who is about to celebrate her 80th birthday, has been running the caf since taking over at the age of 62 - and the eating and meeting place is still going strong.

However, the sale of the market means that the cafe, patronised for years by farmers, is likely to close.

Last week, Mrs Haynes was behind the counter as usual, serving up her home-made hot-dogs, snacks and scones.

She said: "In a sense it is, perhaps, the right time for me to put my feet up.

"Over the years it has been like a day out meeting so many lovely people from far away, especially at the annual holly sales.

"I understand December 16 is the last sale day and time to say goodbye.

"I will really miss it."

The sale of the livestock market has prompted speculation over what will happen to the corrugated hut which houses the caf.

A Little Hereford woman, Helen Rose, has suggested that the building should be saved, saying it ranks as one of Tenbury's attractions.

However, while the site's new owner, William Chase, has not made public any of his plans for the area, district councillor Reg Farmer says the hut should not be allowed to stand in the way of progress.

Town councillor Margaret Austin said of the hut: "It was there when I came to live in Tenbury in 1969.

"It always had a cosy, jolly atmosphere on sale days, and wonderful hot-dogs.

"In its hey-day it was full of farming people and, sometimes, you couldn't get a seat. It somehow brought town and country people together and it will be the end of an era for the town if it closes."

Helen Rose suggested that the hut should be spot listed.

If that was not possible, it should be found a new home, perhaps at the Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, near Bromsgrove.

But not everyone agrees with keeping the building.

District councillor Reg Farmer said: "I know it has served the community well over many years but the building mustn't be allowed to get in the way of progress.

"We don't yet know what Mr Chase plans for the future of the auction yard and any decision is down to him."

Mr Chase was unavailable for comment.

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