Following the publication of a Nub News article on the matter, the Vale Council have explained why it decided to confiscate planters belonging to the Windsor Road bar Crafty Devil Cellar.

The following explanation was sent to us by a Council spokesperson.

The business in question was made fully aware in writing that these planters needed to be removed by July 30 as they are not permitted without an appropriate highway trading licence.

The planters form a boundary for the tables and chairs that are still being placed on the public highway during the day, also without a highway licence.

Every attempt has been made to encourage the business owner to apply for the necessary trading licence required from July 1 for the planters, tables and chairs, but despite this being explained in writing the business owner refuses to comply.

As the business owners failed to act by the specified deadline, we had no option other than to remove the planters from the public highway.

Our officers are currently in discussion with the business owner regarding the licence required and hope not to have to take any further action in this case.

The business owner has been advised that he should stop trading on the public highway without a licence. He has also been advised that we would be happy to consider accommodating the planters on the public highway, should he wish to do this without a trading licence.

However, this would not be in their previous location, across the footway, where they have already been responsible for an accident involving a pedestrian with a sight impairment.