PENARTH hospitality businesses are set to establish "parklets" as part of their COVID recovery strategy.

The pavement extensions are designed to create outdoor dining spaces similar to the "al fresco" eateries of mainland Europe.

The parklets are being funded by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, which has set aside £500,000 for "upgrading work to all five town centres in the Vale in line with COVID regulations."

Part of this funding was used to appoint consultancy group Robert Limbrick, tasked with identifying ways of improving the Vale's urban spaces alongside "resilience forums" comprised of local businesses.

It was ultimately agreed that the establishment of parklets would create a "friendly and attractive environment for visitors to Penarth town centre".

Before the parklets are rolled out across the town, businesses on Stanwell Road, Station Approach and Ludlow Lane will test them as part of a pilot scheme beginning on 7 December.

These businesses include Gin 64, Willmore's 1938 and Foxy's Cafe and Deli.

"It's unbelievable," manager of Foxy's Sian Fox tells Nub News. "We actually couldn't believe it when they told us a couple of weeks ago. This will give us about 20 more covers and hopefully we'll be able to do evenings.

"With this we'll be able to be more adaptable, more customer friendly and more safe. It's all very exciting."

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson stated:

"Unfortunately, the physical location of some outlets will not make then suitable candidates for a parklet, and where this occurs we will look at alternative measures to support businesses during later phases of this funding.

"All businesses that are allocated a parklet will be required to sign a comprehensive outdoor trading licence agreement that ensures they are responsible for its management and all Covid regulations are complied with."

Nub News has heard reports that the parklets will include a "living" environmental roof and further protection from the elements.

Sian Fox, who has seen the plans, calls them "incredible".

More details to follow.