Gwyrddio Penarth Greening and the Penarth Civic Society reached out to the Vale Council after reports came in that local businesses were requested to remove their outside seating.

The two local organisations wrote to the Vale of Glamorgan Council to outline their issues. They stated: "We are extremely concerned about reports that cafés and restaurants have been instructed to remove outside seating until an application process has been completed.

"Given the current pandemic, which has impacted hugely on the hospitality industry, and the on-going need for social distancing, outside seating is an absolute necessity.

"While we understand the need for outside seating to be properly regulated, we feel strongly that it should be allowed to stay while due processes are completed. Our town centre has been extremely adversely affected by the pandemic and every effort must be made to support our traders."

Many businesses have had to focus their attention on outdoor seating with social distancing regulations and reduced capacities indoors.

Nub News contacted the Vale of Glamorgan Council for comment. They said: ''The Vale of Glamorgan Council is helping businesses apply for additional trading space in line with Covid-19 regulations. Businesses have been made aware of the application process, with licences free until October 1, and all are encouraged to apply.

"It is important to be mindful of seating arrangements on the public highway. We have been working with businesses to address instances when this has not been properly managed and where arrangements have not allowed for sufficient social distancing.

"Consideration must be given to all pavement users, including those in wheelchairs, the partially sighted and those using pushchairs and mobility scooters.

"We aim to be as accommodating to businesses as possible. To date, no applications put to the decision panel have been refused. Some have been amended to make sure they meet requirements, but this process has been carried out in consultation with the businesses involved."

Today Willmore's 1938 made a statement about their new alfresco dining area. They said: ''We'd like to say a massive thank you to the Vale of Glamorgan council for our new outside eating area. This is the real difference for us in these challenging times. Whether you want to eat inside, outside or take away the choice is yours at Willmore's. See you all soon. Thanks for your continued support."