Dudley Council has made the decision to close the cafe facility as it is no longer financially viable to operate.

Vending machines serving hot drinks and snacks will still be available in the café area, which will remain open as a seating and viewing area for customers. People can also continue to hire the space for parties and bring their own food.

The council has met with catering staff and looking at possible redeployment opportunities. Councillor David Stanley, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said:

"The council has been subsiding the running costs of the café at Crystal for many years but with the current financial pressures, we are no longer able to support it at council taxpayers’ expense.

"We know this may come as a disappointment to those who do use the café, but the reality is it’s very much underused and unable to sustain itself.

"We will continue to offer drinks and snacks and would encourage people to use the cafés in the town centre to support the local economy. "