Social media explosion over threat to Lottie’s 'cute' coffee van at Ripon beauty spot

Lottie’s vintage-style coffee van is under threat at a popular Ripon beauty spot despite building a loyal customer base among regular dog walkers, outdoors enthusiasts and the elderly, in particular.

One dog walker told the Harrogate Advertiser: “Lottie is a sole trader, she works very hard, and her van is a hugely important service for the community.

"She received a letter, from the council I think, saying she had to stop trading.

"I see older people who come and sit all afternoon, socialising there and many have commented how it helps their mental wellbeing as it’s open space.”

"Even the mayor of Ripon, Councillor Andrew Williams, is fighting her corner.”

After learning that Lottie's was to stop trading from its base at Hell Wath, dozens of people took to social media in protest.

Facebook posts from members of the public about the threat to this much-loved mobile coffee shop, which appears each week from Tuesday to Friday, included the following:

"Lottie's is more than just a coffee van; it's a whole community. Denying her from being there would be a huge loss to the area."

"This is a devastating decision. Lottie and her van not only provide wonderful coffee and cookies but it has also become a wonderful little community that has proved invaluable to many."

"Shocked this morning, Lottie has been told to stop serving coffee at Hell Wath. She is providing a great service. Who can I speak to in order to reverse this decision?"