More than 900 people have signed a petition in just 24 hours to ensure a beloved café and a vital part of the Lizard community remains open.

The petition to save Britain’s most southerly café Polpeor on Lizard Point so far has more than 900 signatures after only being launched on Thursday (October 31).  

Last month, the Packet reported that the owners of the café, the Hendy family, Victoria, Luke and Peter announced that they were leaving after more than 30 years at the helm, and handed the lease back to the National Trust who oversee the site.

At the time, the family shared a post on Facebook that after a lot of hard work and determination in building up the business, it was time to let it go.

“Together with a lot of hard work and determination they built up this unique business,” they said in the post. “The time has now come for the family to let it go.

“We would like to thank all our amazing staff past and present. Polpeor really wouldn’t be the same without you all.

“We would also like to thank all of our customers who I know that Polpeor holds lots of special memories for you as much as it does for us.

“Finally, we would like to thank the National Trust for all of their continued support and the great working relationship that we have.”

But now, a petition has been established to request that the National Trust keep Polpeor operational and maintain the lease themselves.

To see the petition, or to sign to save Polpeor Café on the Lizard, visit: www.change.org/p/keep-polpeor-cafe-open-retain-lease-current-staff-and-manager.  

Andrea Pagett who started the petition said: “We request that the National Trust keep Polpeor Cafe operational, maintain the lease themselves, secure the employment of the current staff, and continue having Lucy Tiddy at the helm of the management.

“Let us preserve the heart of Lizard, Cornwall, enrich the experiences of the numerous tourists, and bolster this significant economic driving force.”

Andrea also highlighted the impact the café has not just for customers, but for members of the Lizard community and beyond.

“Our much loved, favourite café is more than just a place where we have enjoyed the very best of food (awesome cream teas, and locally caught seafood in season are just two examples – there are many more!) it is an establishment which exemplified friendliness and efficiency, and on a personal basis always offers assistance to individuals like my father, who is bravely battling Parkinson’s disease.

“For numerous years, we have been devoted visitors to the Lizard village, with our frequent visits to Polpeor always standing as a highlight.

“The café serves a vast community of people who treasure their visits to the Lizard each year.”

Claire Hiscott, a supporter of Andrea’s petition, adds: “Our family have loved visiting this café for over 20 years, it's an absolute delight. Stunning views, great food and happy memories for so many families. It's a real community café as well as a tourist delight.” 

The National Trust says it is still in the process of considering options for the future of the site.

In a statement shared with the Packet, a spokesperson for the National Trust said: “The National Trust tenants who run Polpeor Café on the Lizard have decided they wish to end their tenancy. 

“The family who have successfully run the café for over 30 years will be greatly missed and the National Trust wishes to extend their thanks and best wishes for their future. 

“The Trust will now take time to consider future options for the site.”