Reminder to Costa that hazardous flag must go

Town council to write to coffee shop after promise to remove banner not kept

TOWN councillors are writing to the boss of a Hungerford coffee shop to demand a flag is removed.

During a virtual meeting of Hungerford Town Council’s environment and planning committee on Monday, members were told that the management at Costa Coffee in the High Street had so far not kept a promise to remove the promotional banner.

Last month, West Berkshire Council planners granted permission for two tables and four chairs on the pavement outside.

Some members of the public had objected, citing concerns over disabled access to the pavement, setting a precedent others would want to follow and perceived health hazards.

One resident wrote: “Totally unacceptable... the pavement here is full of obstacles... this section is just a bottleneck.”

Another wrote: “Costa put out a sign/banner every day adding to the hazards... I witnessed people stepping out into the street to pass this area... a recipe for disaster, especially for the elderly, infirm and those with young children... both an eyesore and a hazard.”

Nevertheless a planning officer’s report stated: “Given the nature and scale of the proposed development, it is not considered that the proposed development would have an adverse impact on the setting and character of the Conservation Area, AONB [Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty] and the surrounding areas.

“Both highways and environmental health officers have raised no objection to the proposed development.

“It is considered that a condition shall be imposed to secure that the barriers shall remain in place at all time to screen the approved seating area.”

The application was approved on condition that a barrier was placed around the seating area to stop it spreading and to protect pedestrians.

However, at Monday’s environment and planning committee meeting, councillor Richard Hudson pointed out: “He’s still got his flag out.”

Committee chairwoman Denise Gaines said she and town mayor Helen Simpson had been given an assurance by a manager that it would be removed, adding: “He did promise he would do that.

“We said ‘please can you get rid of the flag’ and he said it was no problem.”

Deputy mayor Keith Knight pointed out: “It’s still there.”

Mr Hudson warned that allowing the flag to remain could set a precedent and encourage other businesses to clutter the High Street with promotional banners.

The committee agreed to write to the management at the outlet and to remind them of the agreement.