Boost for resort in battle over boozing

A COMPROMISE with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) could clear the way for a seaside town to tackle binge drinking and cultivate a continental cafe-style culture.

As reported by the Yorkshire Post, Scarborough's dependence on pubs and clubs to attract people into the town centre at night is again under the spotlight.

Council bosses say they want shops, restaurants and cafes to stay open later so there is alternative entertainment in the evening other than drinking.

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Now Foodies in Westborough wants to set up a seating area on the pedestrian precinct outside its frontage. Although the business is not seeking to open late, it is the kind of ambience that officials want to promote in the town centre.

In the past, many similar applications have run into objections because of fears that putting tables and chairs on a public thoroughfare would create a hazard for blind or partially-sighted people.

However, even though local campaigners remain opposed to obstructions, the RNIB has suggested that the problem could be overcome by penning in the seating area with safety railings.

The council's head of technical services, John Riby, said: "The views of Yorkshire Coast Access Group in relation to such amenities are that any obstruction in the public highway may constitute a hazard to the blind and partially sighted.

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"Any permission granted will include the requirement, now standard on these amenities, that the area be properly enclosed with approved barriers."

Mr Riby recommended that the scheme be approved. But councillors voted against for technical reasons because the takeaway premises are licensed as a shop rather than a restaurant and that issue needs to be sorted out first.