NEWS that a popular cafe at Great Malvern railway station is under threat from a 300 per cent rent hike has had Malvern Gazette readers flocking to its defence.

Almost all commenters on the newspaper's website and Facebook page say that Lady Foley's Tea Room should be allowed to remain at the station.

M Richard said: "This is appallingly short-sighted of West Midlands Trains Ltd. Great Malvern Station is enhanced immeasurably by Lady Foley's Tea Room. We as a town need to galvanise ourselves and save Lady Foley from fading into the ether."

Heartyruth said: "Sounds like they want her out. They must know she can't pay this, so why do they want her out? Are they keen on on a different style of coffee shop like Costa or Nero?"

Malvernista said: "Corporate greed! This demonstrates what a poorly run business West Midlands Trains is..A responsible business might increase rent three per cent to keep pace with inflation. But 300 per cent?"

Donna Cole said: We should be encouraging lovely local traders not putting massive obstacles and worries in their way."

Trudy Neal: said: "I have been going into this tea shop for years; perhaps we could start a petition and get as many people as possible to sign it."

David Meecham said: "That is dreadful - it’s an institution. Having only been in Malvern for two years, I use the station every day and always pop in to buy something when it’s open."

Nicole De Leur said: "Oh no, so sad to read this. Just went in for a slice of cake with my little boy a few minutes ago. We love visiting and watching the train. Hopefully something can be done."

Lorna Metcalfe: said: "What an awful thing to do!! Shame on that landlord."

Russell Petty said: "Disgusting and hope this is rectified, that place is part of Malvern's station history and should be saved,"

But not everyone agreed. Among the dissenting voices was ShamblesSue, who said: "Presumably they have performed a benchmarking assessment and genuinely expect to get takers at £10k per annum.

"It's sad for this lady, but that's life. She has no right to dictate the terms of her lease to the lessor."

And Brett WilIiams said: "Sounds like she has had a bargain and is now having to pay the going rate. Sounds a reasonable request."