As Monmouthshire County Council delayed a decision on the management of commercial obstructions on the highway, local businesses are making sure their opposition to the move is being heard.

Monmouthshire County Council is proposing to introduce a range of policies relating to obstructions on the public highways across the county, which would result in licensing A-Boards and outdoor seating.

These moves were described as an effort to reduce the number of obstructions that disabled people face daily across the county, but many businesses feel they are a cover for a money making plan.

Speaking to the Chronicle recently staff at The Trading Post and Parsons spoke of how the changes could adversely affect their businesses and now Roy Arnup owner of popular restaurant the Greyhound Vaults in Market Street has voiced his concerns about the possible introduction of a licence, which would result in annual charges for seating areas and advertising boards.

Roy, who has owned the Greyhound Vaults since 1987 with his wife Lynne, thinks this will harm the independent businesses in the town, and feels that this local trade is what keeps Abergavenny afloat.

Roy said, "Independent businesses are the life-blood of Abergavenny, and these outdoor seating areas make people excited to come to the town.

"To charge for this would simply harm the independent businesses, as many of them have small premises and they rely on outdoor seating to get more trade. The larger chain coffee shops will not have this problem as they can afford the extra charges for the licence, but it could put many smaller venues out of business."

He also said that his business relies on its A-Boards for people to know it is there.

"MCC once said they would put up a sign at the top of Market Street to advertise the businesses which are down here, as we don't get the best footfall.

"This never came to fruition, and because of this we rely on our A-Boards being in the street. I feel we should not have to pay for this.

"As a venue we have to pay for a lot of licences, such as alcohol licences, which is perfectly understandable. But to add on more and more licences which cost us money make it harder for us to sustain a business."

Roy also questioned the motives of the council, arguing that he could not see how these licences will affect the issue of disabled access.

"Many of the streets are not difficult to get around even with outdoor seating and A-Boards so I don't think the argument of disabled access is relevant," he said.

"In addition to that I also can't see how making businesses pay for licences will stop it either. This is a flimsy argument to try and get them some more money from local businesses, and it could really put the town at risk."

The council is now expected to bring the proposal to Cabinet in January, where it will decide whether it should be implemented.