THE new large pedestrian area outside the church looks lovely and I’m sure the planners/council are very pleased with themselves.

The fuss and complaints that residents and tourists alike have voiced over hidden curbs and chaotic traffic systems have stirred up questions, but that aside, what exactly is the new space for?

I can see that it may be used occasionally for events and that it offers a safe pedestrian area, but surely there is more that it could be used for? 

When is Cirencester going to get a decent outdoor café or area for eating outdoors? While the beautiful weather is upon us, unlike our European counterparts, we seem to miss the use of outdoor space for eating or just sitting and having a coffee.

Granted the weather is not always as glorious as at the present time, but Northern Europe seem to cope with clever use of temporary covers and heating in the colder months, and before anyone says it, even in World Heritage Towns where the look is important, it can be done tastefully. 

Many other towns I visit in the UK and abroad would have several cafes or restaurants with outdoor seating and I’m not talking two or three tables squashed into a side road or on a roof terrace, so why not here?

It seems to me that the new area would be perfect to start this idea with room for at least a couple of small businesses. There is currently a café situated in the Market Place near the church, so why are they not encouraged or allowed to use the space? There are free units available nearby so I’m just wondering why no one has done this.

I believe there is a real trick being missed here. We have all the indoor eateries and chain coffee shops that every other town seems to have, but what we don’t have is a nice independent selection of places that offer outdoor seating for a meal or a drink.

I’m not sure if its because of planning or its just not viable business-wise but it seems a shame.

DAVID WILLIMAMSON
Cirencester