A COUNCILLOR says he hopes a resolution can be found quickly after a row over pavement licenses.
The issue has seen a number of businesses write to Lichfield District Council over the “deeply unfair” measures after some were threatened with enforcement action after their outdoor seating – including on pedestrianised streets – was deemed to be to near the road.
The local authority’s leader, Cllr Doug Pullen, also urged officers not to put Lichfield’s cafe culture at risk.
Cllr Russ Bragger, Labour representative for Stowe ward, told a council meeting that a resolution that protected both businesses and pedestrians was now needed.
“Many businesses in the city centre are facing additional expenses and reduced trade as a result of the current situation.
“I hope a solution can be found to allow the businesses to prosper while giving proper access to those in wheelchairs, with limited mobility, with vision impairments and those with pushchairs.”
The latest battle over pavement seating enforcement comes more than a year after officers were told to halt enforcement over concerns about the impact on businesses.
Cllr Bragger said he was disappointed the situation had been allowed to repeat itself.
“Back on 18th November 2023 Lichfield Live carried an article about the leader instructing council officers not to enforce the rules – as it was known then that there would be a problem, there has been plenty of time to resolve the issues but the council leadership have failed to do so.”
Lichfield pavement features have been here much longer than councillor Pullen.Our glorious city will also be around longer than him. He has done much damage already. I can’t wait fo him to move on. Viva Lichvegas.
Good to see a counsellor fighting for the rights of the public. The pavement is for pedestrians, and its pedestrians who pay for it. It’s good having outdoor cafes in the summer but please leave room for pedestrians. Until recently Bird st has been a no go zone. The couple of businesses moaning about having to get a free licence need to have more regard for pedestrians.
Whilst cars are allowed to drive through Bird Street and Market Street it seems pointless and unnecessary to complain about the seating area outside the cafes?
Why is everything so difficult for Lichfield ? seems a lack of basic common sense to us mere mortals.
Never mind the seating get rid of the A boards !
We are a society and councils work for us. Perhaps a more proactive electorate will decide enough is enough and sack the useless wanabees in office. Leave the tables and chairs out within reason.
Please just let us use the pavement to get from A to B without requiring us to hurdle over tables, chairs and A boards
Its cafés are one of Lichfield’s main attractions, and it would be foolish to damage the city’s thriving café culture by imposing pointless restrictions. The picture accompanying this article is typical of Bird Street with no vehicles and people happily walking in the road. It’s much the same on Google street view. I rarely see any vehicles on Bird Street or Market Street, just crowds of people enjoying safe places to walk, shop and eat, and visiting the Cathedral, museums and parks.