Pub canopy plan worries residents

PLANS for a canopy to provide shelter for outdoor smokers and drinkers at the front of a popular pub at Penketh, Warrington, are being opposed by local councillors.
The proposal is at the Crown and Cushion in Farnworth Road, Penketh and would also involve timber planters to delineate the drinking area.
Planning officers are recommending the scheme, put forward by Enterprise Inns, be approved, but objections have been lodged by Penketh Parish Council and by borough councillor David Keane.
Cllr Keane says while the success of the pub is welcome, he has been told of concerns among local people about the pub’s recent move to encourage drinkers and smokers out on to the frontage of Farnworth Road.
There are problems with noise levels, music and people leaving late in the evening through the front doors.
Cllr Keane says there is already a rear area at the pub where smokers and drinkers are well catered for.
The parish council objects on similar lines. They believe the pavements outside the pub are too narrow and point out that buses regularly mount the kerb. They also believe there is sufficient room for outside drinking at the rear of the pub.
The borough’s development management committee will consider the application next week.