I JUST cannot understand the reasoning behind the new council policy concerning the proposal that cafes and bars, which are able to have tables and chairs stand on the pavement area (if they have the room)

I JUST cannot understand the reasoning behind the new council policy concerning the proposal that cafes and bars, which are able to have tables and chairs stand on the pavement area (if they have the room) outside their premises, should pay a fee of £650 initially and a renewal license fee of £150 per year.

Plus if the owner sells their business the license cannot go with the sale but the new owner has to stump up another £650. Why? Surely the licence is for the premises and not personal to the person.

I read that should you wish to offer this potential of making Weston more in keeping with what is found on the Continent the owner has to comply with rules and regulations in a booklet which contains 56 pages.

The council even asks them who is supplying the tables and chairs because they have to check they are safe to use on the grounds of health and safety. They must feel that they will not cause someone to trip over them.

Are we living in Neverneverland or will we also be having a new department created with some highly paid staff to inspect these areas and prepare their reports in case the council has to take action?

Some time ago didn't North Somerset Council have St James Street closed off at night in order for the town to give our visitors the feel of being in Spain or France?

Wasn't the Big Lamp Corner supposed to be a new feature of the town - again with tables and chairs so that visitors and locals would be able to enjoy a coffee or snack outside (weather permitting) in the open air?

What has happened to all these good ideas to bring Weston more in line with what people expect especially in a seaside resort. Look at Coco Browns?

They have made a feature of having tables outside. I say these people are an asset to Weston as are the places in the High Street and down by the Playhouse.

I know of a small tea room in Clevedon which has two tables outside on the pavement which are used if the sun shines. I know they are not able to afford to spend this £650 plus £150 for the following years so Clevedon will lose a small but interesting feature.

I read that the local town council is against this new scheme and I am not even sure if North Somerset Council has to implement it. If not, why don't they just forget it?

LAURENCE F ORME - Shrubbery Avenue, Weston