Councillors will decide whether a popular local pub can keep its benches outside after a controversial wrangle between business owners and the county council. ??Local business owners have been joined by thousands of people in their fight to keep outdoor seating at Abergavenny’s popular St John’s Square.

Monmouthshire County Council did intend to 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 forced councillors to revisit the unpopular move. The controversial measure also means the Get Together coffee shop would have to remove its outdoor seating.

The original proposal centred on the narrow strip of road separating the square from the outside seating areas, with MCC concerned over safety, despite the area being designated as a ‘shared space’ mindful of pedestrians and other users.

Local businesses, traders, disability groups and residents will have an opportunity to argue their case at a special meeting of MCC’s strong communities select committee at 10am on July 30.

Roger Hoggins, MCC’s head of operations, will present a talk, followed by a thirty minute open forum

 

A formal agenda will available five working days before the meeting and can be located on the council’s website. The meeting will also be live-streamed for those who wish to view it remotely. 

Councillor Jane Pratt, committee chair, said, “We are aware of the importance of this issue and the need to debate this fully and as soon as possible.  Consequently, the select Committee is prioritising this by calling a special meeting to enable the committee to fully understand the implications of the policy on businesses and residents in making its recommendation.”

 

Councillor Bryan Jones, cabinet member for operations said: “Our towns are beautiful and vibrant places, attracting many visitors from all over the world.  I love the café culture I see in our towns and do not want to hinder this.  I encourage people to come along or watch the meeting to gain information on how we can help businesses continue to thrive.”

Anyone who wishes to contribute to the meeting should submit documents to Monmouthshire’s democratic services team by 4pm on Friday, July 20 via email: [email protected]