RESIDENTS have complained that tables and chairs outside a cafe pose a risk to pedestrians.

Henry's cafe put out four tables and eight chairs on the walkway, in Upton High Street, about two weeks ago.

Highways then forced the cafe to remove three of the tables and the accompanying chairs last week.

Elisabeth Drake, the owner of Henry's, said: "I'm disappointed, Highways sent someone out two weeks ago and the response to that was that there was no danger.

"Then someone else from the same office turns up and says to staff bring the tables and chairs in because they are dangerous.

"People were concerned that it would impede visibility, mobility scooters and people with prams. It's nonsense."

Ms Drake said the authorities had to be consistent in their policy and noted that many pubs in Upton had boards and tables outside.

"I will sue them if they carry on like this as I'm losing business. I get more customers thanks to the tables," she said.

The owner said she did not have permission to put out the tables and chairs but said that she had put in an application.

Cllr Eric White said: "We have made the decision in the past that chairs and tables cannot be on the path.

"The sandwich shop down Old Street had to move them. I think one has to be consistent and say 'sorry, move them'."

The councillor said he had received five complaints about the tables and chairs.

He added that one mother was walking with her child and inhaled cigarette smoke coming from one of the tables.

Cllr Peter Webb said: "Could I refer councillors to the Worcestershire Local Transport Plan.

"Particularly regarding outdoor seating, Worcestershire County Council welcomes applications. [They] automatically grant permission where it's not causing a nuisance."

A Worcestershire Local Transport Plan 4 policies document confirms this, on the condition that the pavement is wide enough to accommodate pedestrians and the seating.

Cllr John Thompson said: "The pavement is quite broad there. People can put tables and chairs out on the pavement provided they are not completely blocking the pavement."