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The idea for the cafe was formed in Oct '99 as a result of a Crime Prevention Meeting in Lydney. The officers present saw such cafes as a means to prevent some of the anti-social behaviour at the time which occurred as a result of young people collecting in gangs in certain areas with no real purpose and with little of value to do. As a result of that meeting certain local councillors and interested individuals visited CANDI in Cinderford and the Central Kaff in Chepstow (projects which were running successfully already) to gain ideas and inspiration.
The first stage was a feasibility study conducted by Sarah Ingram to consider the viability of such a scheme in Lydney. The review was favourable and so subsequently a committee was formed under the chairmanship of Derek Biddle to raise funds and find a site.
As always the battle for money was of prime importance but under the government's SR B6 initiative £20,000 was raised and matched very generously by the Forest of Dean District Council. £20,000 also came from the Tudor Trust.
With such backing a site at 25 Newerne St was procured on a ten year lease and building repairs were begun with the hope that the café would open for business in the autumn of 2003. However, during the initial stages the landlord agreed to an extension of the first floor which while delaying the whole operation meant that the overall space would be greatly enlarged and enhanced.
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