CAVENDISH Square will be losing its café in October.

The Ring Coffee Bar's owner, Gerry Williams, has been given two months' notice by Swindon Council to move out in preparation for the area's regeneration.

Businesses that are taking on shops in the new development are being allowed to carry on trading until work begins in the spring.

But Mr Williams is not going to run the café after the regeneration work is complete, and he and residents say it is ridiculous that he cannot stay on like everyone else.

"It is a shame that we won't be staying," he said.

"The fact is we are a community café and have been here for 40 years.

"But the powers that be have decided that they want me out and that they want to turn the building into some sort of office for now."

Mr Williams received the notification letter last month. He wrote to the head of the council's property department to ask for longer, but was refused because of the redevelopment.

"I got the reply yesterday so I have to accept it and I have started to tell customers when we will be closing," he said.

"They're not very happy about it. They can't understand why we can't stay too.

"A lot of them are older people and rely on us for their meals or as a place to meet people.

"The new café won't be open until the Co-op is done, so people won't have one for months.

"It is down to the council and developers, and feelings don't come in to it.

"But the council have bought my lease and I will do what they say and close my doors on the day they've told me."

Welcombe Avenue resident Carolanne Bond was shocked when she heard the café would be closing next month.

"We were promised at a public meeting that all the businesses would keep trading until the last possible moment," said the 62-year-old.

"Where is our community going? It's ridiculous."

A spokeswoman for Swindon Council said the regeneration of Cavendish Square was for the benefit of the local community and was widely supported by residents.

"As this work takes place some disruption, whilst regrettable, is inevitable," she said. "Those existing traders who wished to relocate are being re-accommodated in the new development and are co-operating with this process.

"The owner of the Ring Coffee Bar was offered a place in the new scheme but declined.

"In order for the next phase of the development to progress, it is necessary for the coffee bar to vacate its premises by October 12.

"A compensation package was agreed with the owner last year and he was aware that two months' notice would be given before the premises needed to be vacated.

"This notice period has been given. The developers have agreed terms with another party for a new cafe in the scheme which it is hoped will be open in the spring."