More Penarth residents have rallied together and signed petitions in a bid to save outdoor seating on the Esplanade.

An online petition, created by local postperson Jemma Angove, 39, has now received over 3,000 signatures.

At Beachcliff premises, Casa De Margarita and Sundowners Champagne Bar, a further 2,000 paper-based petitions have been signed.

Vale of Glamorgan Council said that licences were put in place as a temporary measure to support businesses during COVID-19 restrictions and are due to end on June 30, 2022.

Locals have commented on the benefits outdoor seating has brought to Penarth seafront, remarking that it has encouraged a "cafe culture" and led to a better experience.

Richard Hayward, the owner of Beachcliff, said: "The outside space and current offering is finally attracting people to Penarth for relaxation and enjoyment, which is what the town deserves after a harsh couple of years.

"This being removed in favour of 14 parking spaces across 3 businesses is nonsensical, especially as people are rightfully still wary of Covid and do not wish to sit inside."

"I am told it was a few complaints from the building in the adjoining block of flats that fuelled this decision. I can't understand why they would complain about vehicle parking as they park in their own carpark and not on the Esplanade."

Local businesses recognise and support the need for better parking provision. Margaret Studt, the owner of Casa De Margarita, has reached out to the council to deliver a solution.

She said: "I have proposed providing a free shuttle bus service from the top car park to transport people down to the Esplanade and this will provide at least 50 spaces. Disappointingly, the council has refused to explore this further.

"What I find really frustrating is the lack of consultation and engagement from the council. Rather than work with local businesses, they've imposed decisions without discussing the impacts with us first.

"The shuttle bus service would be completely free and funded by us, but they won't even have the conversation.

"So far I have amassed over 5,000 votes in favour of retaining the outside seating. This will have a significant impact on the voting patterns of the forthcoming elections."

The restaurant owners are due to present the petition to council offices early next week.

Click here to view the petition.