ALTON'S Public Gardens is to enjoy an added attraction this month with the arrival on Fridays and Saturdays of a high-quality refreshment wagon. There by invitation of Alton Town Council on an experimental basis until early September, it is hoped the refreshment bar will encourage more people to enjoy the gardens during the summer months. Weather permitting, the unique three-wheeler coffee van will set up near the Bandstand from 11 am to 5 pm , with tables and chairs for customers to enjoy their refreshments al fresco-style in the sun. The coffee wagon is run by Julie and Eliot Dales, who specialise in Italian coffees and biscuits, as well as teas and soft drinks. Pam Bradford, who chairs the town council's recreation committee, believes the new service will complement other activities in the gardens such as the regular band concerts and Friday afternoon children's shows. She told The Herald: "I think that to be able to enjoy a tea or coffee will be much appreciated by residents and visitors who come to the gardens - it is something that parks and gardens offer in many other towns." She added: "It is of course only a temporary arrangement and as usual the council would very much welcome residents' views on this to see if it is something that should be provided more regularly." Deputy town mayor Dave Crocker was among the first to sample the coffee wagon fare. He is pictured here with Pam Bradford, Rita Wallis, Pam Jones, David Crocker, Julie and Elliott Dales. (AD32-14-05)