'The cafe was my dream but I can’t pay these endless bills'

WOMAN SAID SHE MADE JUST £11.25 FROM ONE DAY'S TAKINGS

- By ANDREW ROBINSON

West Calcutt with her partner Ashley, and inset, Cafe West

A YOUNG woman's dream of running her own cafe ended in tears after rising bills left her in debt and mentally exhausted.

West Calcutt, 32, has spoken out after she was forced to close Cafe West which she opened in Bradley, Huddersfield, in February. She had spent around £6,000 on equipment and refurbishing the building on Keldregate to create a dog-friendly cafe for the community.

West says the cafe was well-supported, although there were days when takings were low including one Monday in June when she took just £11.25. She had to reduce the opening hours as there were too few customers during some afternoons.

The biggest problem has been meeting the £500 monthly rent bill to Kirklees Council and the electricity bill of around £600 a month.