An award-winning tearoom has launched a bid to extend its opening hours - with supporters describing the move as “vital” for keeping their village alive.

Elham Tea House has submitted proposals to Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) to open earlier and later throughout the week, and to begin trading on Sundays and bank holidays.

The business, which took over from The Cosy Tea Rooms of Elham in July, is managed by Julie Mills and has already garnered a strong reputation in the village.

However, when planning permission was granted for The Cosy Tea Rooms of Elham in 2009, the council ruled the business must keep the same hours as the village’s former Post Office and Gift Shop, which was previously based at the site.

Because Elham Tea House now operates under the same planning us

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