A local café owner in Hastings took a stand by offering free meals to children in need after the decision to halt school holiday meal vouchers for struggling families. Barry Ashley, owner of the Grumpy Cook, criticized the move as “shameless,” accusing the council of neglecting children in poverty.
Following his initiative, the council leader, Andy Woolley, informed Ashley that he and Labour MP Helena Dollimore would be reported to the police. Woolley claimed they were inciting hate and potential violence by publicly criticizing him. The dispute arose after the council decided not to provide the essential vouchers, which act as a lifeline for many families.
In response, Ashley’s café started providing over 70 free meals daily, supported by contributions from local businesses. Dollimore launched a petition demanding the reinstatement of the vouchers, condemning the council’s actions as “unacceptable” and putting children at risk.
Ashley emphasized the importance of feeding children in need, highlighting the deprivation in Hastings and the dire circumstances faced by many families. He shared stories of mothers hesitating to ask for help, underscoring the critical role of community support.
The café’s efforts began during the lockdown when government support was lacking, and Ashley decided to offer free meals to any child without requiring proof of financial hardship. He expressed disappointment in the council’s decision and took to social media to voice his concerns.
Despite Woolley’s accusations of inciting hate, Dollimore defended her right to criticize decisions affecting the community. The council justified its stance by citing insufficient government funding, pointing to alternative support programs in place.
Woolley emphasized the collective nature of decision-making and cautioned against singling out individuals for public criticism. He highlighted the need for respectful political discourse and the potential consequences of inflammatory rhetoric.
While the council stated its commitment to targeted support using government funds, Woolley refrained from involving the police at that stage. The disagreement reflects broader tensions over social welfare policies and the responsibilities of local authorities in addressing community needs.
