A POPULAR walkers’ cafe that was closed after its owner became the subject of a hate campaign could reopen by next spring if planners approve a revamp.

Lord Stones Cafe, on Carlton Bank, near Stokesley, North Yorkshire, was used by walkers, cyclists, horse riders, hang-gliders and motorcyclists until was it closed at the end of last year by owner John Simpson, of Stokesley, who said he had had enough after being targeted with threats and racist comments.

He sold the 160-acre site, including its cafe built into a hill, to John Reeve, who owns the neighbouring Urra Estate in Raisdale.

Mr Reeve, who runs a pheasant and partridge shooting business on his estate, has holiday cottages and keeps cattle, wants to extend the cafe, improve it and create a campsite there, with timber toilet and shower block and five camping pods.

He also plans to have a small shop for campers’ provisions, selling produce from the estate such as his belted Galloway burgers.

The cafe is on three popular walkers’ trails – the Cleveland Way, Lyke Wake Walk and the Coast to Coast route.

Previous owner Mr Simpson faced a backlash from bikers last year after he started closing earlier because the cafe was unable to cope with the number of motorcyclists visiting.

Bikers believed he was discriminating against them.

Last summer a Facebook page was set up containing threats and racist comments about Mr Simpson, his Thaiborn wife and their staff.

Planners at the North Yorkshire Moors National Park will meet on Thursday to decide on plans.

The scheme has been supported by neighbours, who said they hoped the site would be well managed by Mr Reeve and his family.

One said there had been vandalism at the site, unauthorised camping and problems with people parking on the road.

He said: “There have been other incidents of anti-social behaviour, including binge drinking and, we understand, illegal drug use, at and near the site.”

Other neighbours said the site had become run-down and welcomed the improvements.

Mr Reeve said: “I am very pleased with the support we have received from local people.”

The only objection received was from Bilsdale Parish Council, which said it believed the site was the wrong location for the development.