A COMMITTEE has backed the enforcement of restrictions on businesses using outdoor seating in Lichfield city centre.
A specially-convened meeting of Lichfield District Council’s regulatory and licensing committee had been asked to revisit the issue after concerns were raised over the impact on efforts to create a cafe culture.
Businesses had argued that on some streets the enforcement was not needed due to the carriageway being pedestrianised.
But members backed recommendations to enforce the minimum 1,500mm of space between outdoor furniture and the road.
The current hybrid pedestrianisation model had led to concerns that any change would leave people unable to get past some outdoor seating.
Cllr Russ Bragger, Labour shadow cabinet member for high streets and the visitor economy said the issue of roads continuing to be used for vehicle access had meant limited options were available:
“The licensing and regulatory committee’s hands are tied because of flawed council policies that are failing businesses and the public.
“The council leadership must take responsibility and act to update the pedestrianisation rules, ensuring that Lichfield can thrive as a welcoming and accessible city for all.
“Simple measures such as limiting the times for deliveries and restricting other vehicle access when cafes are busy could allow a thriving pavement culture and proper access for wheelchairs, buggies and people with restricted mobility.”
Cllr Kathy Coe MBE, Labour representative for Summerfield and All Saints ward, told the meeting that her own experiences had shown the importance of ensuring people could access the city centre.
“No-one chooses to be disabled – and being in a wheelchair holds a lot of difficulties.
“I don’t feel sorry for myself for the wheelchair and the way I live as I cope with it very well, but there are people who really struggle and I suppose I’m here with skin in the game and want to bring forward their comments. I
“I think the cafe culture is wonderful and I don’t have a problem with it, but we also need to meet the needs of people who are disabled in a wheelchair or with limited vision.
“I know a number of people with limited disability and many of them visit Lichfield less often if they live in one of the villages because it’s just more difficult for them since we don’t have as much parking space and people struggle to get round sometimes.
“We’ve accepted a long time ago that many of the shops aren’t accessible because of steps and the fact they are limited in size and space inside because of of it being a Tudor city. It’s beautiful and we live with it.
“But when you watch people trying to negotiate pavements that are cluttered, particularly those with limited vision because they can’t remember when things have moved so they struggle to get through.
“It’s not pleasant in a wheelchair to come up against a barrier you can’t get through.”
The concerns over the impact on the cafe culture came after enforcement action saw businesses call the rules “deeply unfair” on pedestrianised roads.
But Cllr Coe said the city centre needed to be an attractive proposition for all visitors.
“Outside seating is fine, but we want to see that the furniture doesn’t creep out because when people are moving and standing up the chairs getting pushed further out. That needs monitoring to make sure there is always that throughway for people.
“While it [outdoor seating] is intended to bring further business into the area and shops, if other visitors cease to come in then it will be taking business away from some shops too.
“I understand that from a business point of view this makes sense and others will want to attract more custom and that the cafe culture is a good way of doing it, but we’ve got more than 50% of the population in this area who are over 50 and we need to make sure that we’re meeting their needs in terms of being able to get around.
“As we age, the number of people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters will increase. I’m asking on behalf of all these people that we carefully consider how we can make it safe for them.”
Members of the committee voted unanimously to approve the continuation of the 1,500mm rule and the enforcement of it.
Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council, had called for the committee to review the issue, but said in a post online ahead of the meeting that he not been permitted to address members.
“Disappointed to be prevented from speaking at the special licensing committee, which has been convened at my request to discuss the current enforcement approach to pavement licences.
“It is very important that we do all we can to support local businesses given the current national context.”
