Local business owners have been joined by almost two thousand people in their fight to keep outdoor seating at Abergavenny’s popular St John’s Square.

Monmouthshire County Council plans, citing health and safety could force Jon Child, manager of the King’s Arms Hotel, to cut eight of eleven benches which make up the popular seating area on the square but a local campaign has forced councillors to revisit the unpopular move. ??The controversial measure also means the Get Together coffee shop would have to remove its outdoor seating.

Monmouthshire County Council originally proposed the move because of the narrow strip of road which separates the square from the outside seating areas could present a safety issue, despite the area being designated as a ‘shared space’ mindful of pedestrians and other users.

Over 2,000 people have signed a petition in the last week, as the campaign gained backing from Abergavenny Mayor Councillor Teslin Davies, Nick Ramsay AM, and the Y Fenni Business Community.

Mr Child, who runs the King’s Arms alongside his wife Sacha, said the issue was ‘frustrating’ but he was ‘more than willing’ to work with the council to find a solution. ??

“With the area the council are permitting, I would only be allowed three benches, so I’d have to take five away. Plus the ones across the road. So, I would have to get rid of eight,” he told the Chronicle.

“The square is one of the success stories of Abergavenny’s recent development. I’ve had people say they were only driving past, but then parked up to come and have a drink because it looked so attractive. We rely heavily on tourism in this part of the world — we are the gateway to Wales.

“Taking away things like this is such a backwards step. We should be encouraging people to use the square.”

Phillip Bowyer, a campaigner, pointed out that visitors would still be forced to cross the shared space to reach the council-supplied benches outside the Post Office.

In a letter to Councillor Jane Pratt, Mr Bowyer said he hoped MCC’s proposal would be shelved, adding that the area is hugely popular with both locals and visitors.

“I think that more than 2,000 people signing a petition in less than a week in Abergavenny is an amazing response to the MCC plans,” Mr Bowyer told the Chronicle.

“It is an unprecedented spontaneous rejection of council proposals.  The council must listen.

“People generally think the council is out-of-touch and do not understand how many locals and tourists take great joy from the square, full of happy people on a fine day with music playing.  They think the council  looks like a bunch of bureaucratic kill-joys.”

Mr Bowyer suggested that a solution could be found by providing more ample signage showing the area is a designated shared space.

“Anybody who has been there cannot accept county council excuses about safety.  If MCC want to make St John’s safer...safer not just safe...the answer is not to drive people out but to control vehicles,” said Mr Bowyer.

“Bring in the people and drive out the vehicles. There’s lots of ideas how to do that — big signs at the entry showing that it is shared space with priority for pedestrians;  bollards removable for the few who really need access and probably more ideas if we ask people.”

Y-Fenni Business Community issued a statement saying, “Businesses are somewhat disappointed at the lack of consultation and communication from MCC about the implementation of these new guidelines. 

“This policy has a direct impact on YBC members business’ and the lack of consultation is of concern.”

Andrew Powell, who issued the statement, asked those who attended this week’s meeting, and other members, to take their concerns to County Hall on July 12 (10am), when the issue will be discussed at a meeting of the council.

Nick Ramsay AM urged the county council to ‘get around the table’ and find a solution, after meeting at the King’s Arms.  

“At this rate, the pub may only be left with three tables and without any in the middle of the square.

“Personally I think this is an over-reaction. The tables add to the character and atmosphere of this part of Abergavenny — loved by locals and visitors alike.“At the very least, the landlord’s compromise offer to provide table service to those tables in the middle of the square should be considered.

“I hope both sides can reach a common sense solution to this problem which protects the character of this part of the town.”

The campaign also earned support from Abergavenny Town Council, with Mayor Teslin Davies confirming that the council was ‘fully in support’ of keeping the seating in place on St John’s Square.

"Abergavenny Town Council would like to voice its support for local businesses making fair use of the public spaces within our lovely town.

“Our businesses are the ‘life blood’ of the town and innovative uses of public shared areas can only enhance the vibrant nature of the shopping and socialising opportunities that Abergavenny has to offer.

“Businesses are already under pressure from rates and to add to the costs of running their independent businesses will only add to that pressure,” said Councillor Davies.

County Councillor Tudor Thomas said he was ‘surprised’ that a Conservative-led council ‘hadn’t thought this through.’

“I am surprised that the Conservatives — the party of business and enterprise — have let this happen. Town traders have had a lot to deal with recently, especially during the pedestrianisation. I am hopeful that the business community can put forward a strong case to the county council.”

Ahead of the council meeting on for July 12, Roger Hoggins, highways manager at MCC, said, “After extensive consultation, the policy adopted by the Council in 2017 to manage items such as A-boards, displays, coffee tables, benches etc. placed a limit on the area business might use.

“Implementation of the limit (up to 18 sq. metres) has caused concern for some businesses in Abergavenny.

“The basis of the limit is to maintain a safe public space and control the extent of tables and chairs etc. ??“Following representation by the businesses affected and local members, implementation has been suspended whilst the matter is referred back to the Council’s Strong Communities Select Committee for consideration.

“In the meantime, any tables, benches etc. may remain in place and businesses have been advised accordingly.”??