A cafe to attract groups of velo cyclists from up to 100 miles away could be coming to Great Dunmow

A cafe to attract groups of velo cyclists from up to 100 miles away could be coming to Great Dunmow - and with the town’s wow factor, it could prompt them to return with their families, boosting the economy.

Bruce Search of Dunmow Velo spoke at Great Dunmow Town Council’s Downs and Commons committee about the benefits of having a cafe at Doctor’s Pond.

Mr Search said a cafe, with toilets and secure bike racks, would attract cyclists from a wide radius looking for refreshments and word would spread, and it would be a “massive benefit” for the town.

“Regularly we see 300 or 400 cyclists coming out of London over the weekend,” he said.

Town councillor Peter Noble has supported the idea which is at a very early stage of investigation, including the venue which could be a new build or a temporary building. One option would be on land at Doctor’s Pond which currently has shipping containers. The town council could provide the facility and get a business to run the facility which would be available for everyone to use, not just cyclists.

Speaking to the Broadcast, Cllr Noble said: “It’s at very early stages. The town is changing, high streets are changing. People are going for an experience. We are looking to prompt people to come into Great Dunmow.

“I’m a cyclist myself. By promoting cycling, you promote the area and it helps the local economy.”

Cllr Noble said he felt that cyclists who visited in groups would return with their families.

“If we could start promoting Dunmow this time next year that would be fantastic. It is a long journey. We are right at the beginning.

“We have a beautiful place here. Why shouldn’t we share it.” He added: “Let’s make Dunmow prosper.”

The meeting heard concerns about possible venues, including Councillor David Beedle’s suggestion that Dourdan Pavilion might be suitable.

Councillors at the meeting agreed by a majority vote to allow further investigation work to go ahead.