I WAS disappointed and upset to read of the closure of the Hexham Tans (Courant, May 8, 2015).

The Opus Project and Restaurant have been a valuable part of Hexham for over 20 years.

It has been a pleasure to watch volunteers and employees grow in confidence enough to serve customers and consequently move on to employment elsewhere.

The scones and lunches at the Tans are extremely good value and it is always interesting to see which different flavour of scone will be on sale.

I visit the Tans every Saturday, with a group of friends and our children. The staff are very patient with our endless orders and moving around of tables, etc. A wide variety of people use the Tans regularly, many with individual needs.

Everyone feels comfortable and relaxed in the friendly and unthreatening environment.

It plays an important part in the life of many people and its closure would mean withdrawal of support for vulnerable members of our society, another empty shop in Hexham and the end of an era.

I have started a petition to urge Northumberland County Council and the NHS Foundation Trust to continue to support the Opus Project. Please sign in the Tans restaurant.

FAY HARTLAND,

Hexham