> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Call for action to tackle issues with outdoor seating in Lichfield city centre
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/call-for-an-end-to-political-point-scoring-to-resolve-outdoor-seating-issues-in-lichfield-city-centre/
- Published: 2025-02-02T08:03:00.000Z
- Updated: 2025-02-01T21:57:07.000Z
- Description: Calls have been made for “decisive action” to tackle ongoing issues with pavement seating in Lichfield city centre.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Politics, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:49, News

CALLS have been made for “decisive action” to tackle ongoing issues with pavement seating in Lichfield city centre.

Members of the regulatory and licensing committee [backed enforcement of a rule](https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/committee-backs-decision-to-enforce-restrictions-on-outdoor-seating-in-lichfield-city-centre/) requiring a 1,500mm gap between any outdoor furniture and the road.

But businesses have argued that some streets where vehicles are restricted – such as Bird Street – means that the gap already exists.

Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council, had asked the committee to review the enforcement of the 1,500mm rule at the meeting this week. He has previously said the restrictions were putting the city’s “cafe culture” at risk.

But the committee said concerns with the hybrid pedestrianisation scheme meant that traffic and pedestrians could still come into conflict, despite new electronic barriers being installed.

As a result, they said the restrictions on outdoor seating should remain – and should be enforced.

But Lichfield MP Dave Robertson has now called for an “end to political point-scoring” and urged leaders to take a more flexible approach to find a solution that balances the needs of businesses and residents.

He said:

> “The message from the public is clear—Lichfield residents and visitors overwhelmingly support outdoor seating, and yet the council’s weak policies continue to stand in the way of improvements.  
>  
> “The current confusion over pedestrianisation serves no one, creating barriers for businesses and restricting public enjoyment of our city.  
>  
> “It’s time for the council to act and fix this mess. I have written to the leader and chief executive of Lichfield District Council urging them to act.”

Business owners have also called on the local authority to act in support of the city centre.

Andrew Pease, owner of Melbourne Cafe, said:

> “As a small business owner there are a lot of headwinds we are fighting against – this shouldn’t be one of them.  
>  
> “We look to the council to be collaborative and to work with businesses in the city centre. From very early we have been asking the council to consider each street, business and situation on its merits to make Lichfield’s high streets a vibrant place that people enjoy being and hopefully this will happen in the coming months.  
>  
> “We appreciate both our MP Dave Robertson and council leader Cllr Doug Pullen engaging with us to understand the challenges it presents in a truly non-political dialogue and hope for this to continue.”