WORK to turn Forde Park Pavilion into a cafe, staffed by people with learning difficulties, is under way.

Plans to change the use of the existing building, which was formerly designated for ‘Assembly and Leisure’ into a cafe, were given the green light by Teignbridge Council.

The Forde Park Community Project committee has worked to transform the area into a park that will attract more visitors with a ‘vibrant’ and ‘well used’ cafe catering for people using the green space. The cafe will be staffed by adults with special needs and volunteer helpers.

Newton Abbot town councillor, Mike Joyce, said: ‘In 2017 a planning application was put forward to turn it into a not-for-profit cafe, with the aim of it being operated by those with disabilities and it is really encouraging to see the refurbishment taking place.

‘This will bring this under-utilised building within Forde Park back into use and provide a much needed rest stop for those using both the park.’