ONE of two specially built Purbeck Stone kiosks will finally open this weekend to serve food and refreshments to visitors in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens.

The borough council has confirmed that the other kiosk will start trading next weekend following a delay and complaints from visitors about the lack of catering facilities.

Parks development manager Michael Rowland stressed that the food terrace in the Lower Gardens was already open and trading well, adding: “One of the new kiosks will open this weekend and the second will open the weekend after; they are in the process of the operational fit now.

“Due to the bespoke nature of the design, there has been a slight delay. However we were keen that the new facilities blend in with their beautiful surroundings.”

Cllr Lawrence Williams, cabinet member for tourism, leisure and culture, said: “I am sure they will add to the visitor experience. The completion of this scheme follows a recent facelift to the gardens with miles of railings and street furniture receiving a repaint ahead of the summer holidays.”

The new food terrace and kiosks replace temporary structures and have been leased by the council to S& D Leisure for the next 14 years.

Simon Gwynn contacted the Daily Echo to complain about the lack of facilities in the Lower Gardens. He said: “I have been asked several times by tourists where they can buy an ice cream.

“There are two cafes, still unfinished, which could meet this demand.

“They are missing out on hundreds of pounds.

“I am amazed that during the hot spell and, with the kids breaking up for the school holidays, they have not been opened yet as the structures have been finished for over two months.”