"SAVE us" is the urgent message coming from a cafe beloved by thousands of Cherries fans which faces an uncertain future amid surging energy bills.
Cherrie's Cafe, in Curzon Road, is facing a “heartbreaking” closure after bills soared from £240 a month to more than £1,100.
Owner Mandy Norris, who has put her heart and soul into he business as well as all her money, said she is close to bankruptcy.
She said: “We were doing fine last year then it started with the price increase. I wasn’t aware of how much the electricity would go up by – I didn’t expect it to go up to £1,100.
“It has got to the point where I have had so many letters for unpaid bills, I have now received a disconnection notice. That could happen within the next few days.”
Mandy has tried everything to bring in more money to the business, including diversifying what she offers and quiz nights but, she said, the bills are just too high and the stress is making her “unwell”.
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“I’ve lost a stone and a half in the last month. I can't remember the last time I slept through the night. I'm waking up in panic,” she said.
“I’m paying my staff, but I haven’t taken any money myself for about six months – I’m living on the breadline.
“I have holes in my clothes and I can't afford to replace them because I’m putting everything into the business.”
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She added: “The cost of supplies is going up, bills have gone up and I’m shortfalling about £1,000 a week.
“The business hasn’t changed and the footfall remains good, but the costs are astronomical to the point where if I don’t sell, I go bankrupt.
“I’m at the point now where do I go bankrupt or hope that somebody buys the business. I don't want to go; I love what I do, it has been my dream all my life to have a cafe.”
Mandy is well-known amongst AFC Bournemouth fans and the wider community. Just last Christmas she donated 18 food hampers, which included a turkey, to local families.
Speaking directly to her loyal customers, Mandy simply said: “Save us.”
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