A popular park cafe in Lancaster is unlikely to reopen in its current form after damage during Storm Eowyn.
Williamson Park cafe was forced to close after suffering structural damage in gale force winds as the storm battered the UK in January.
Park owners Lancaster City Council are now looking at options for the future of the building, which could be removed and/or replaced.
Councillor Paul Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services from the Liberal Democrats, said: "Williamson Park is one of the district’s most popular attractions and we know how important the café is to visitors.
“Through our Fit for Future project, which is reviewing a number of the council’s assets, we are looking at a long-term replacement, but in the meantime we’ve had to make some difficult decisions.
“A recent report has highlighted significant structural concerns following the damage cause by Storm Eowyn, meaning that the café is unlikely to reopen in its current form.
“Our priority now is to put in place a temporary offer to serve visitors through the summer while we develop plans for a replacement facility.”
Other nearby park attractions, including the Butterfly House, remain open and are unaffected, said the council.
At a Lancaster City Council meeting last Wednesday, Councillor Joanne Ainscough, of Labour, asked about the future of the cafe.
"The cafe is shut, the appeal to the park is diminished and that threatens visitor numbers," said Councillor Ainscough.
Council leader Councillor Caroline Jackson of the Greens, in response, said the Fit for Future group was set up to look at the future of the cafe before the storm damage.
"It was always a matter of whether we can afford it and how quickly we can get something onsite," said Councillor Jackson.
"There is a plan to fence off the back area, because the back area leads to the zoo.
"The removal of the actual building itself, (the council) planning (department) were looking at any particular reasons why we might have to keep it, but I don't think they'd found any. So planning are looking at whether we can remove that building.
"Those who are working there have already been redirected to other cafes and areas of the council.
"So yes, a solution is being put forward. We are not intending to lose business.
"There is already a coffee van serving at weekends, and they are using other mobile provision. But I don't know that a coffee van and an ice cream van are all that we want. So yes, we wil push on with that as soon as possible."
Councillor Ainscough said after the meeting: “I want to bring the council’s full attention to the work that has already been done regarding the café at Williamson Park.
"Anyone who has visited recently will know that the building has not been in the best shape for some time. For 18 months while I was on cabinet, I pushed for swift action to replace the cafe building, as staff have been working in increasingly difficult conditions. Williamson Park is a key destination for residents and visitors alike and the cafe is an essential part of the offer, both during the day and when evening events take place.
"A significant amount of effort and money has already gone into planning a ready-to-go solution that would get the cafe and park back to full strength quickly. Yet now, when the need for action has become urgent, the Green party led administration wants to hit the reset button, dithering and forming a committee to drag us back to square one and wasting resources, when the work has already been done."
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
Beyond the Beat: Two arrests after assault in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe MP "appalled" as Lancashire set to quit refugee resettlement scheme
Replica RAF helicopter to go on display in Lancaster at three-day show
Life-size knitted mannequin pops up ahead of Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Stars play in celebrity football match in Morecambe in memory of brave teenager
Roses are red! Lancaster University students celebrate fifth straight victory
70 homes in Carnforth evacuated after bomb scare
