An adult learner is campaigning to reverse a decision to close a community cafe and replace it with vending machines “full of sugar”.

Council contractor Medway Norse announced it was closing its cafe at Rochester Adult Education Centre, part of the community hub in Eastgate, just off the High Street.

It is the latest council-owned cafe to be closed or have reduced hours. Medway Norse has said not enough people use the facility and it does not make enough profit.

But Gail Collingwood believes the cafe is popular and would be greatly missed and has started a petition opposing the closure.

The 64-year-old grandmother, of Oastview, Rainham, said: “It is a lovely cafe. There is always a massive queue at lunch time. It is full when I go on a Tuesday. A lot of the people who do courses at the centre have additional learning needs.

“The cafe puts their work on the wall and when you go in there they come up to you to point out their work.

“By using the cafe, they get an opportunity to mix with everybody and they get such a kick out of their work being on display. I would be such a shame to lose it.”

Medway Norse closed its cafe at Splashes Leisure Centre in Rainham at the beginning of April and replaced it with vending machines.

Mrs Collingwood said: “The vending machines are full of sugar.

“The plan is to do the same at the adult education centre so you won’t be able to get anything proper to eat.

“If like me you do a course in the morning and then a course in the afternoon, you don’t have time to go into the High Street to a cafe.

“And I think those with additional learning needs might not feel comfortable going into another cafe in the High Street. They have difficulty coping with change.”

A Medway Council spokesperson said: “Splashes cafe and the Sandwich Cellar at the Central Theatre have now closed and the cafe at the Rochester Education Centre is set to close on June 6.

“While we understand some regular users have enjoyed these facilities, the cafes do not receive enough customers to make them cost effective refreshment services.

“As an alternative, vending machines will be available to provide high quality food and drinks for customers.

“A cafe and bar service will still be provided at the Central Theatre when there are matinee performances on or afternoon films. Evening performance facilities remain unaffected.”