Tea Room Faces Closure

The Liberty Tea Rooms and Community Hub in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, is facing a permanent closure unless it raises £25,000 by the end of October.

The tea room is currently being used to film the third series of Ludwig starring David Mitchell, with filming taking place until 7 October. The production team has transformed the tea room's frontage to resemble a bank, which it was before becoming a community venue.

The charity has already reduced staffing costs in an effort to stay open, but trustees say that the £25,000 target must be met to avoid closure. Mark Kitson, chairman of the trustees, said that the filming has created a buzz and excitement on Hemel Hempstead High Street, and the production team has paid a fee for using the building.

The production team will restore the tea room once filming is completed, as well as repair a broken window and update the tea room's signage.

## Why it matters The Liberty Tea Rooms and Community Hub is not just a tea room, but also a community venue that provides debt advice, food bank parcels, and a welcoming space for people to socialize. The closure of the tea room would have a significant impact on the local community, which is already facing tough times.

The tea room's closure would mean the loss of a vital community resource, and the £25,000 target must be met to ensure its continued operation. With the filming of Ludwig providing a temporary boost, the charity is hoping to raise the necessary funds to stay open beyond October.