Bench seating by the water opposite The Sloop pub, in St Ives, is to removed, although no decision has been yet as to how the space will be used in the future.
The matter came before members of the town council, who agreed to get the seating — for which there is no permission — removed. A decision on the way forward will be made by a panel managing the public spaces protection order (PSPO), which covers the harbourfront.
Like many, councillor Josette Fuller believed the tables were an extension of The Sloop’s outside eating and drinking area. But the pub, which has changed hands since the benches were installed, claims no ownership.
“I understand the tables appear to belong to The Sloop as they have table numbers on them for food orders, and they are often used as an extension of the seating area,” she told fellow councillors.
“This creates issues with pedestrians’ movement and traffic flow along the harbour area, which is already very busy in summer season.”
She suggested the council install their own more appropriate seating there. But it is also understood that boat operators are keen to use the space for more of their booths.
Businesses, including The Sloop, will be contacted before the benches are removed.
Some councillors were angry that dealing with the problem had been delegated to the town council when it seemed like a county council matter. However, the town clerk reminded members that the power had been delegated to them when the PSPO was set up.
