A REFURBISHED former railway shed in Hulme End has been officially opened as a cafe and visitors centre.

The project has been embroiled in controversy since Staffordshire Moorlands District Council launched the scheme seven years ago with a budget of £149,000.

But costs have escalated and it is believed the final bill for council tax payers will be almost £500,000.

The building will now be known as the Hulme End Tea Junction and has been taken over by Leek businesswoman Rebecca Simcock.

Rebecca knows the area well as she was brought up near Hulme End. She also runs an outside catering business.

She said the cafe will offer hot and cold drinks, home made cakes, soup, oat cakes and sandwiches.

Rebecca added: "Since the opening we have had many positive comments.

"The building is very well located for cycling and walking groups and I am looking forward to developing the business."

The official opening of the Tea Junction was performed by Moorlands MP Charlotte Atkins.

Ms Atkins said: "There has been a lot of controversy over the refurbishment of the former railway shed which I understand as the costs were outrageous.

"I now think Rebecca, who has a lot of enthusiasm and business determination, will make this venture work.

"The recession is causing people to stay closer to home for holidays.

"There is nothing better than a cycle ride or walk down the Manifold Valley. You now have the added facilities for morning coffee or tea and dinner to enjoy with your visit.

"Rebecca's business has already made the environment more attractive."

Councillor Andrew Hart, who has the responsibility for regeneration on the district council, said: "I am pleased to see the building open with a local businesswoman at the helm.

"The facilities have tremendous potential for the future.

"Hopefully the centre will bring in more visitors to the Moorlands which will help the local economy."

Prior to Rebecca taking over the cafe on Saturday it was run for a short period by the district council.

Village resident Roger Cannon has opposed the development from the start.

He said: "The whole project has been a shambles and a complete waste of council tax payers' hard-earned money.

"The money could have been used to prevent the district council increasing its share of the council tax over the last two years.

"The centre should have opened years ago but landscaping work is still not completed."

The new facilities will be open Tuesday to Sunday between 10am and 5pm from April to September.

During the remaining months the business will operate at weekends, but will close in January.