COUNCIL chiefs have been urged to rethink an “ineffective” pedestrianisation scheme in Lichfield city centre to help resolve a row over outdoor seating.
Lichfield District Council’s licensing and regulation committee recently opted to retain measures which prevent street furniture from being within 1.5 metres of the highway.
Businesses had called for greater flexibility on roads, such as Bird Street, where vehicles are restricted.
But the committee had concerns that the current hybrid pedestrianisation model meant that vehicles and people could be forced into the same space.
Now Lichfield’s Labour MP Dave Robertson has written to council chiefs calling on them to “stop shirking responsibility” for the problems being faced.
He said a recent survey he had carried out online showed that almost 98% of respondents were in favour of outdoor seating in the city centre.
Mr Robertson said:
“The policy as it stands is preventing businesses from offering outdoor seating options that enhance the city centre’s atmosphere, accessibility and economic vitality.
“The current pedestrianisation approach is widely regarded as ineffective and does not serve the needs of residents, businesses or visitors.
“Despite overwhelming support, the inability of the [regulatory and licensing] committee to act due to restrictive city centre policies highlights the need for the council’s leadership to stop shirking responsibility onto the quasi-judicial and therefore non-party political committee.
“If the council is serious about maintaining Lichfield as a thriving and accessible destination it should address these issues by revising the city centre strategy and removing flawed restrictions.
“I respectfully urge the council leadership to collaborate with all interested parties – including businesses, the community and councillors of all political parties – to review and amend the policy to allow for more flexible and practical pavement seating arrangements that benefit all.”
Cllr Doug Pullen, Conservative leader of Lichfield District Council – who had previously warned that the current rules on outdoor seating were putting the city’s cafe culture at risk – said the current scheme for vehicular access had been welcomed by stakeholders
“The trial pedestrianisation in Lichfield has been widely supported throughout the city centre by businesses, residents and visitors.
“The suggestion of banning all vehicle movements, including for residents and deliveries during specified periods, did form part of the early consultation and was considered by a cross-party task group.
“But ultimately it was decided that vehicle access was still required for blue badge holders, permit holders and deliveries throughout the day.”
Cllr Di Evans, Labour’s chair of the regulatory and licensing committee at the council, said:
“We met to consider the current policies in place on enforcement of pavement licensing in Lichfield city centre.
“The special meeting was convened at the request of the leader of the council.
“The committee reviewed the policies, the history and rationale for them and concluded that, to maintain safety and accessibility for residents, the 1,500mm rule should continue to apply, and that officers should continue to enforce these regulations.”
