A GARDEN centre and café at a training centre for young people with special educational needs has been announced as closed to the public.

The Employ My Ability (EMA) charity – which runs the Thorngrove Garden Centre and café in Gillingham, closed the site on Wednesday, October 23.

In a statement posted on social media, Employ My Ability said: “The closure of the garden centre and café allows us to make positive improvements and focus on developing the Gillingham Campus by repurposing these commercial spaces to better serve both our educational and adult social care services.

"Part of these plans include making use of the café environment and kitchen to enhance its hospitality courses and provide learning opportunities for its students and adult social care attendees, setting them up for a better pathway into the community and employment."

Employ my Ability added: “We would like to extend a sincere thank you to all members of the public who have supported the café and garden centre over the years.

“We hope you continue to support our mission in providing an enriching learning environment for young people, and adults.”