A DECISION on whether to put loss-making council catering out to tender has been shelved.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's executive agreed to take no action at present on a suggestion to put the work out to tender.

But the issue will be considered at a later date.

Council leader David Walsh said subsidy may be the only answer.

Members looked at a report on catering at Kirkleatham Museum, Margrove Heritage Centre and Redcar Library.

A mini Best Value review had been carried out and officers were recommending competitive tendering as a basis for further development.

It was felt the services could be provided at no cost to the council, with any risks being taken by private firms.

The museum cafe has three staff, plus casuals and overtime as required. It is projected to make a loss of £3,459 this financial year.

At Redcar Library, two part-timers run the cafe, which is heading for a £9,057 loss.

Users organised a petition calling on the council to keep the coffee bar going.

At Margrove, a £1,805 deficit is forecast. The cafe is operated by the temporary transfer of a school kitchen worker, helped by casual staff.

Councillor Walsh said: "We decided not to take any action at the moment. We do not believe we would get any real tenders just now.

"But we will have another look at this, get the views of unions and users, and see if we can do some proper marketing later on.

"We may have to accept that if we want cafes at venues such as Margrove we will have to subsidise it. If that is the case, then so be it."