Greenwich Conservative councillors have called for some common sense from Labour-run Greenwich Council, after the much-loved Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich warned of significant job losses if action to remove riverside seating goes ahead.
The Council issued an Enforcement Notice which is now the subject of an appeal. Challenging the Labour Council to apply some "common sense", Conservative councillor Matt Hartley was told at the Town Hall on Wednesday night his question calling for a solution that retains the seating would be answered at a later date.
Councillor Matt Hartley, Leader of the Conservative Opposition, said: "The Trafalgar Tavern is one of the best pubs in London, nevermind just Greenwich. Countless Greenwich residents and visitors enjoy the outdoor space every day - and it would be ridiculous for Labour-run Greenwich Council to put all that to an end, with significant job losses for the pub, if this enforcement action goes ahead. We need some common sense from Labour councillors on this one - not something local residents have come to expect, sadly.
"It's true that there is a balance to strike between pedestrian access to the pavement and supporting the Trafalgar Tavern to thrive - but by jumping to enforcement action the Council isn't doing its job. Why let something like this reach box-ticking enforcement stage? The Labour councillors who run our borough need to listen, engage, and find a solution - it's literally their job."
Shadow Secretary of State Kevin Hollinrake MP visited the Trafalgar Tavern, which dates back to 1837, and has raised the issue with Labour Ministers in Parliament. Watch Kevin's video with landlord Frank Dowling here.
Read more on BBC London.
