Reinstate outdoor seating on Churton Street
The Issue
My name is John Oakley and for the past 20 years, I have proudly been the owner of Dovers Flowers on Churton Street. Over the years, I have witnessed the vibrant energy that outdoor seating brought to our community, transforming it into a lively and inviting place for both locals and visitors alike. It wasn't just an enhancement – it was a lifeline to the businesses here. But now, after more than a year of disruptions due to roadworks, we face a stark reality: the council's decision to remove outdoor seating has led to a significant downturn in business, the worst in two decades.
For five years, before the roadworks began, outdoor pavements and café seating became synonymous with Churton Street's charm. They supported a vision of a bustling, welcoming environment that encouraged foot traffic and brought countless social and economic benefits to our area. The removal of outdoor seating has not only been a detriment to businesses with such facilities but has also affected the entire street, including shops like mine, which rely on the increased footfall these areas generated.
Despite promises of improvements post-roadworks, the lack of outdoor seating has left businesses floundering. The prolonged disruptions have taken a toll, driving customers away, reducing our income, and threatening the sustainability of local enterprises. The council's decision to backtrack on this once promising initiative, that flourished and benefitted so many, is not just affecting business owners but the community as a whole.
We urge the council to reconsider its decision swiftly and reinstate pavement café seating. This is not a mere request but a necessity for the revival of our street. Bringing back outdoor seating would restore our street's vibrance, support local business recovery, and enhance community engagement. Let us reclaim Churton Street's welcoming atmosphere and ensure it remains a thriving hub for all.
Please join me in calling on the council to reinstate outdoor seating on Churton Street by signing this petition. Your support can make all the difference in bringing life back to our beloved community space.
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The Issue
My name is John Oakley and for the past 20 years, I have proudly been the owner of Dovers Flowers on Churton Street. Over the years, I have witnessed the vibrant energy that outdoor seating brought to our community, transforming it into a lively and inviting place for both locals and visitors alike. It wasn't just an enhancement – it was a lifeline to the businesses here. But now, after more than a year of disruptions due to roadworks, we face a stark reality: the council's decision to remove outdoor seating has led to a significant downturn in business, the worst in two decades.
For five years, before the roadworks began, outdoor pavements and café seating became synonymous with Churton Street's charm. They supported a vision of a bustling, welcoming environment that encouraged foot traffic and brought countless social and economic benefits to our area. The removal of outdoor seating has not only been a detriment to businesses with such facilities but has also affected the entire street, including shops like mine, which rely on the increased footfall these areas generated.
Despite promises of improvements post-roadworks, the lack of outdoor seating has left businesses floundering. The prolonged disruptions have taken a toll, driving customers away, reducing our income, and threatening the sustainability of local enterprises. The council's decision to backtrack on this once promising initiative, that flourished and benefitted so many, is not just affecting business owners but the community as a whole.
We urge the council to reconsider its decision swiftly and reinstate pavement café seating. This is not a mere request but a necessity for the revival of our street. Bringing back outdoor seating would restore our street's vibrance, support local business recovery, and enhance community engagement. Let us reclaim Churton Street's welcoming atmosphere and ensure it remains a thriving hub for all.
Please join me in calling on the council to reinstate outdoor seating on Churton Street by signing this petition. Your support can make all the difference in bringing life back to our beloved community space.
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Petition created on 22 October 2026