Decision delayed on Corn Exchange outdoor drinking area

A pub chain has been told it will have to wait to find out whether it can put tables outside an Angus premises.

The Corn Exchange in Arbroath applied to the council to use a public path as an outdoor drinking area.

The JD Wetherspoon pub hopes to set up a portable banner barrier and place furniture in Market Place.

However, development standards councillors deferred their decision due to safety concerns expressed by local councillor Alex King.

Mr King said patrons sitting outside may contend with Post Office vehicles for space as they pick up mail at Haq’s Newsagents.

He said: “The general post office in Arbroath is now in Mr Haq’s shop.

“And there are periods when Post Office vans do lift mail from the rear of his shop.

“I ask my roads colleagues are they totally satisfied, if those tables are in place, would they allow a Transit-sized Post Office van to gain access to the rear of the post office to pick up mail.

“Also, none of the plans submitted by Wetherspoon’s show a tree or wall at the back of the former sheriff court.”

Convener Rob Murray said he was happy to defer the report in order for councillors to make a site visit.