A review over the future of pavement cafes in Lichfield city centre is taking place.
Lichfield District Council issued temporary licences for businesses to trade outdoors on Tamworth Street, Bore Street and Conduit Street during the pandemic due to social distancing, with disabled parking bays relocated to make way for seating areas.
But a number of businesses sought extensions once the initial period expired.
The local authority is now launching a consultation to decide whether to allow eateries and bars to continue using the areas outside their premises.
A spokesperson for Lichfield District Council said:
“The pavement cafés have proved popular with the city’s eating establishments that have utilised them and their customers.
“We are now seeking the views of as many people as possible so please complete the short survey we have launched.”
Lichfield District Council spokesperson
People can have their say on pavement cafes in Lichfield city centre via an online survey.
Somewhat of a misnomer, as many are not using the pavements, but the disabled parking bays. But then, the disabled don’t seem to matter to LDC. The excuse trotted out when these bays were taken out of use was social distancing, which was always a lame excuse. This reason hasn’t been at all valid for some time. Now the goalposts have been moved, and pavement cafes are the excuse. So it doesn’t look like the disabled will get the city centre parking back that was wrongly taken from them. Of course, business interests will always take priority for a Tory controlled council.
Cafe seating should be removed from disabled bays as soon as possible. The few bays still available opposite Wilko’s are full most of the time. Any alternative car parking is too far for disabled shoppers to access the places they need. This means that many Lichfield residents can no longer visit the city centre.
I can see that reducing the number of available disabled parking bays will cause problems, however I think the outdoor seating areas will be useful for those with dogs, and to attract clientele who prefer not to sit in a smelly cafe perhaps? After all, most other ‘city’ centres have plenty of outdoor areas to sit and eat. Perhaps replace the lost disabled spaces nearby outside non food premises?
As a disabled Lichfield resident I would much prefer if the disabled carparking was back in place. I can not get down the town as I need to park by the shops I need to visit. I’ve never once used the outside eating establishments because I find it hard to get down the town. I would like to feel we would get the disabled bays back but I doubt it. The loss of bays were supposedly down to distancing but I feel it was just used as an excuse.
People moaning about it, there are so many disabled parking spots in Lichfield…..most of them sit empty whenever I’ve been into town. People just love moaning don’t they.
Please keep the Lichfield cafe’s going with outdoor Al fresco eating especially in the summer months. Lichfield is a beautiful city and the last thing we want is cars parked on the pavements. There have been spaces allocated in the main car parks for disabled so there should be no street parking whatsoever in our beautiful city. Keep our local food and beverage businesses going. Tourists and locals love Lichfield and it’s great to have somewhere to sit, eat and drink and enjoy the ambiance of this amazing place.
John Allen, I do agree with you about disabled parking, but also have sympathy with businesses (not only cafes as all enterprises benefit from increased footfall). Why not issue licences say from May to September and allow disabled parking on the town square on non market days?
Face the facts John hardly any cities allow disabled people to drive through the town centre it’s time to move on and adopt a new method of living you cannot expect disabled people to be able to drive to the front of every shop now can you ? There is parking back of B&M and I am sure their could be improved to allow the shortest distance between the spaces and the shops.
Let’s make the centre car free and encourage the shops to do well ? No shops = a dead city
So disabled Parking Bays in Lichfield will not be put back. There are not enough of them and there never was before, there are now more disabled in Lichfield than there used to be. Some who can try to keep mobile rely on them to be able to to get back to their cars.
Whilst I do not have a problem with the cafes using the pavements there are no cafes where the banks are yet you closed the disabled parking area by them WHY most of us DISABLED PEOPLE use that area to go to the bank and the market. I personally can not walk from the relocated parking areas to the bank. So I hope you will consider this when you make your decision on this as there are many others in the same position.
John, Lichfield is no worse than any other town locally for disabled parking. Tamworth, Walsall, Sutton, Burton, Cannock etc are all pedestrianised and they’re much more pleasant places for it. Bringing politics into it is frankly rather tiresome.
The outdoor eating establishments bring life to the city giving a feeling of warmth and welcome
LDC do not consider disabled drivers, let’s hope they never need a blue badge. Go elsewhere to shop.
I never really got the argument re shortage of disabled parking as blue badge holders can legally park on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours but in general not where there are restrictions on loading or unloading.
I understand the wheelchair space width/kerb issues to some extent but there are plenty of lined quiet street locations that can still fulfil these requirements.
Other locations nationwide barrier off their vehicle routes especially when big events are on, to prevent vehicular access to crowded areas for various reasons.
I personally support the street-cafe culture and hope that it continues and grows further.
Only the fully able will be insensitive enough to say that there plenty of disabled bays in the car parks that are empty. That’s because they’re too far away from the town centre for the needs of the disabled shoppers. That’s discrimination. “The existence of the disabled should be acknowledged but they’re not wanted in the town itself.”
There are three of us in this household who all have various disabilities, one having severe mobility issues. If we can’t find a parking space we just go home and order on-line. That doesn’t help town centre shops.
Mr Sensored: Do you shop online? The more people that shop online has far more of an effect on killing town centres than disabled bays ever will have. You state to the disabled, “it’s time to move on, to adopt a new way of living”. We’ve already had to adapt from being fully able, being able to walk distances without issue, to being unable to walk more than a few yards without physical discomfort, having to use walking aids, to get around. Some people are born disabled, his do they move on? How many people who have disabilities have found that they have a new superpower?
Invisibility! I’ve had people suddenly stop dead in front of me who have said, “I’m sorry I didn’t see you there”.
They’ve been walking towards me! No problem for them to do a side step,
I’m on crutches and walking is difficult enough for me without having to read the mind of a person who is heading straight for me, looking at me. I’ve even been shoulder charged by someone who could see I’m on crutches and then laugh as I’ve lost my balance. I’ve had someone run in front of me, fully aware that I’m on crutches, go through a door only to let it swing shut in my face. There have been very few people who have held a door open for me to go through. I’ve seen able bodied people walk in front of people on mobility scooters, who then have to stop in case they hit them, then say they didn’t see them. I’ve seen people run in front of mobility scooters and wheelchairs on pavements and in wheelchairs in supermarkets, just so they don’t get stuck behind them/get to the shelf one second earlier just because the person in the wheelchair might just get the last item that they want. We didn’t ask to be disabled. It happens, birth, operations, accidents, ageing, congenital conditions, inherent disabilities that only manifest later in life. Would you like to be treated the same way as we, the disabled, are? Would you like your relatives to be treated that way? If not, put your brain in gear, before criticising a situation of which you have no understanding.
I urge everyone to comment as we need to keep the cafe culture in Lichfield! It adds vibrancy and life to the city. It would really diminish the area if we lost that. Yes, we need disabled bays too, surely there’s a balance to be struck here. But definitely keep the pavement cafes!
I agree, Moonin Mamma for “Jim”to say “plenty of disabled parking spaces” we have been for a chiropody appointment this morning and could not find a disabled place (Wednesday). It is so frustrating…and not good for your blood pressure !!€
Some good comments from people who know what they’re talking about and how important accessible disabled parking is, and some tone deaf and selfish comments from those who don’t. Presumably, ‘to adopt a new way of living’ means ‘screw the disabled’.
Just a reminder folks, follow the link in the article too. Although this comments section makes interesting reading, it is not part of the actual survey….
The whole area should be free of cars at all times just pedestrians to enjoy what the city offers in complete safety
Get rid of the ‘Al fresco’dining as soon as possible have our parking spaces and our pavements back,far too many eateries in lichfield any way .
I’m really intrigued whenever I read the responses to articles on this issue. A lot of disabled people insist there is no way they can shop if the bays aren’t reinstated and they also say the evidence of how full those bays opposite Wilko’s are shows the demand. There is also the claim that they can’t use banks if they don’t have the bays.
Let’s dissect this; even pre-this change there were only a handful of bays outside each bank branch so many would have had to use the Wilko’s bays because the ones say outside HSBC might already be occupied. This would mean a walk that is as far if not further than the bays made available in the nearby car parks. Add into the fact that many banks are looking to reduce their physical footprint and refocus on digital services, and you soon see that the ‘visit the bank’ argument fails to hold much weight. Even if you do go to the bank, you’ll find many of the services offered are effectively glorified versions of what you can do from home. Also, if they’re now having to park at Wilko’s (which we are told are busy busy busy then how are they suddenly able to get to the banks that could previously only be reached by parking on the doorstep?
The city has undoubtedly been an improved experience since the removal of the volume of vehicles being driven through the centre. Businesses have been able to expand their operation by utilising outdoor space in order to help recoup the costs lost during the pandemic. Given the move to digital banking, it’s highly likely that these retailers are the ones who will be left standing when the inevitable eventually happens. So what will the excuse be for needing a prime parking spot then?
If you can’t make the journey from the disabled spots on Bird Street car park or Lombard Street through to the Market Square in order to bank, then what did you do when those bays were full (as they usually were with drivers just crawling round the city centre waiting for one pre-pandemic?). Surely the argument has to be made that perhaps the digital services might be a better option for you if you can’t walk that distance.
Blue badge parking means accessible – it doesn’t mean perfect and outside every shop you want to visit.
Great post LogicAl. Don’t forget to complete the survey.
Another thing to bear in mind is the cost of living crisis.
Many small businesses, especially ones who need electricity to provide hot drinks, will be facing an existential crisis soon.
Whether or not there is disabled parking, how many will be here next summer? Will they be supported with lower business rates, for example?
I’m in favour of outdoor tables, I just hope the businesses will survive the winter.
@LogicAI
Wade Street and Castle Dyke offer lined parking (double and single) for blue badge holders very close to the Three Spires and Bore Street.
Cross Keys offer double lined parking with quick access to Lloyds Bank through the passageway onto the market square.
Also Tamworth and Lombard street have double yellows.
As you suggest the narrative is without these bays the options are zero (because the car parks are to far away), when that is not the case. All of these lined areas provide significantly more parking than the lost bays for blue badge holders and are closer than the car parks.
One has to suspect it is part to knock the council for political motives?
Agree re banking. Once in 10 years or so now and that was to make a CHAPS for a house purchase. Rest is BACS in and BACS out online, with a phone call to the card centre when my card was cloned. Indeed bank branches continue to close nationwide. I understand Aldridge is losing it’s Lloyds branch.
To be clear I do not want to discriminate against anyone but to suggest there are not options is disingenuous.
So if the banks moved up the precinct would you expect the disabled drivers to be allowed to drive up there ? I think not time to get used to parking either behind B&M or as suggested use the yellow line option.
What time of the time do you shop Jim. 10.00pm at night. You can not get a disabled bay during the day without driving round several times before finding one. Most of the time we return home without finding one
LogicAl, in case you hadn’t noticed, it’s not just banks in that immediate area. There is also a dental surgery, an opticians and a library, to name but three, not to mention the cafes that seem popular with so many people. Sitting outside at a cafe is fine in the summer (well most of the time), but there won’t be many doing so in a few week’s time. The needs of the disabled exist all year. You may recall that Cllr Liz Little’s brainwave ignored the advice of the disabled organisations she was so keen on mentioning. By the way, at the risk of getting ‘political’, what exactly is she doing these days on waste and recycling, after the debacle of the blue bags was thrust upon us?
I’m a blue badge Holder .
For the safety of pedestrians I feel I should go the extra mile
Out of town.
Most parking bays, in the carparks, are to small for disabled/elderly to get out of their doors. On-street parking gives more room. Try getting out of your own car , and I mean opening the door fully, to exit.
News flash, Disabled people like to use cafes! however if you have mobility issues and experience pain when mobilising, getting close to wherever you are going is a priority.
The present parking provision is poor, the allocated disabled spaces in Bird Street car park the nearest centre parking is a shambles, plastic dividers & cones often misplaced with no spaces left between cars, which is vital to get in/out of your car, more so if you are by yourself & in a wheelchair. Waiting for somebody to turn up so you can get into your own car is ridiculous & a failure by the council to properly mark the bays.
The Lichfield visitor experience for the disabled is terrible, the shopmobility service is a tragic joke it looks as though LCC/LDC have planned it to be so bad.
All those potential customers nowhere near businesses that are going down the pan.
@Local Lass. Most cars these day’s are to big for the historic spaces but that is another story altogether, much like new build house garages or overweight 3500kg beaver tail car transporters the operate illegally carrying modern vehicles.
Pavement cafes should now be a permanent feature of Lichfield city in the months where weather might make it a sensible option. Covid is far from over, the choice to eat outdoors is clearly less of a risk. And the option must surely improve the viability of cafes and restaurants. The outdoor seating gives Lichfield a continental atmosphere in fine weather. Dining outdoors should continue to be a choice for consumers. If this could be done without reducing the number of blue badge parking bays that would be ideal. UK faces very difficult years ahead. Those who can still afford to eat out ought to have the choice to dine outdoors wherever possible – to avoid risks of Covid. If a decision is taken to cease allowing street cafes I think it might be very much a retrograde step and a death knell for some cafes. I would like to see businesses encouraged and supported to have street dining. Disabled parking bays still need to be provided as close as possible to the banks and shops etc though. It’s no good charging cafe owners a high fee to enable them to have outdoor seating. I notice there are a few cafes where it would be great to be able to sit and dine outdoors – but for some reason they haven’t done so.
Enable outdoors cafe culture if you want Lichfield to be a vibrant city. As much of the year as possible. Covered outdoor seating is ideal.
It’s time to close the City centre to all traffic during the day! Get bollards up on Tamworth Street, Bird Street and Sand ford Street. These should be in place daily from 10.00 am until 8.00 pm, Only emergency vehicles and taxis should be allowed in. There’s loads of parking around the city centre, so no need for anyone to drive into the middle of the city. Market Street especially, is normally rammed with vans and cars and can be difficult to walk down. Lets make the pedestrian precinct a vehicle free area.
Michael Lichfield has a pedestrian zone that is not car free I fully agree with you something needs doing before a blue badge holder kills someone
Fully agree with Michael Bannister, ML and Christine. We want zero cars in the centre, pedestrian area only please with pavement cafes. There’s loads of parking around Lichfield.
To visit the banks and Boots in the city centre is now not an option both of importance to a disabled person due to stealth changes, Bore street car park is full on repeated visits, parking for the cathedral, registry office and Darwin House will soon be lost, I am now talking about the ex Angle Croft car park, come on councillors give a thought to those who are paying into the coffers of this wonderful city, do not wait until you are a blue badge holder to have to suffer a disability that precludes you from the indecency of normal mobility
Independent shopping would be impossible for most blue badge holders if Lichfield becomes pedestrianised. The few disabled spaces on car parks are usually occupied in shopping hours and are too far from shops and banks for many who can drive their cars but walk very few yards. I believe disabled drivers are more aware of pedestrians’ safety than most. Disabled drivers pay the same council tax and do not deserved to be excluded from their own town centre. LDC please think again before extending the “pavement cafés”. They were meant to be there “temporarily, due to Covid distancing advice”. Too many eating places in Lichfield now for all to be viable!!!
Pavement cafes will not have as many customers once the weather changes and its cold and raining. Modest seating for dog owners is enough.
I am a frequent visitor to Lichfield and I am amazed at the amount of traffic mashing its way through the city centre. It really does spoil your visit, the streets are essentially laid out as a pedestrianised area yet you have to have eyes in the back of your head to avoid being run down by cars and vans. Just rid the city centre of all traffic and be done with it. There’s plenty of parking close enough to the shops without permitting vehicles to swan around the inner streets. As has been said, if the disabled or elderly (I’m heading towards 70 BTW) are capable of traversing the town having parked opposite Wilkos, then they’re capable of doing the same from many of the other parking spots, a few yards makes no real difference. In any case, from what I’ve seen, many of those driving through the town are not disabled people, more often than not they’re young, very capable people just wanting to visit the bank or park in town and can’t be bothered to use the perimeter car parks.
Apart from Erdington, I can’t think of another local town centre that isn’t pedestrianised. Tamworth, Cannock, Stafford, Walsall, Rugeley, Sutton, Hinckley, Burton and Uttoxeter are all vehicle-free and are a lot safer for it. They also seem to manage in attracting footfall, notwithstanding the current retail climate.
Can anyone tell me why Lichfield should be different? I’m not closed-minded about the issue but I do wonder why we’d have a unique reason to persist with pedestrians and traffic mixing.
I don’t think Lichfield City Centre is so bad with some parts fully pedestrianised and some only partially. What would help would be some kind of control over who uses the partially pedestrianised roads. Most drivers using them do so responsibly, but a few do not. I have sometimes seen controls at the entrance to this area turning some drivers away. A barrier and charging scheme might deter less responsible drivers.
Why not use the market square on none market days for Blue badge holders.
To look after people with a disability should be a priority.
May be you one day.
Lichfield is run by dinosaurs and the worst council in the country. That’s why.
We now had to go else where & changed our HSBC bank & the opticians as my husband is registered disabled & can not walk from where he aloud to park as he needs a disabled space to be able to open the car door wide open so he can get his legs out of the car.So !!!! CAN HE yet!! Park outside the HSBC BANK in Lichfield so he can do his OWN banking & NOT have to travel to Walsall to do it by HIMSELF