VOTE: Protesters back street tables at Worthing café

The open air sit-in on Saturday, April 3, was attended by more than 60 people, who sat outside Caf Continental, in Montague Place, with their own tables and chairs.

The group was protesting over a partial ban imposed by West Sussex County Council and Worthing Borough Council, which ordered Caf Continental owners Trevor and Sue Jones to remove all alfresco tables, except for two.

The councils said the street furniture was limiting pedestrian space.

Mrs Jones told the Herald: "We had a fantastic response from our customers on Saturday with people bringing their own chairs for a sit-in and displaying posters in protest.

"If we cannot put enough tables and chairs outside in the summer then we will go out of business."

Petition launched

So far, Sue and Trevor have got a petition with 1,300 signatures and have set up a Facebook group which has more than 200 members.

Sue added: "We have had tables and chairs outside for 14 years.

"Last year, when our highways licence expired, we were told we were required to get planning permission for the tables, which was then refused.

"We were told we could have only two tables and eight chairs. We were very annoyed, and so were our customers.

"However, it does seem the strength of feeling has been taken on board as the decision is currently on hold."

Council view

Worthing Council's planning department is developing a policy for alfresco tables and chairs and said it would be unfair to enforce regulations for Caf Continental unless the guidelines had been finalised.

Mr and Mrs Jones said they will continue to place five tables, each with four chairs, outside until they hear any different.

A West Sussex County Council spokesman said: "We really are very keen to encourage tables and chairs, but a sensible balance is needed to allow pedestrian space.

"We are not trying to limit the number of tables and chairs, we are just trying to ensure there is enough room for pedestrians as well."

Have your say

Do you support Caf Continental's protests to keep alfresco dining in Montague Place?

Vote yes or no in the panel to the right of the screen.

What do you think?

What do you enjoy about eating outside?

Share your views, comment below, email the Herald or write in to Readers' Letters, Worthing Herald series, Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA. A full name and address is required for publication.

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