SHOPPERS in Tavistock will be able to relax Continental-style at tables and chairs on Bedford Square this summer after proposals were accepted in principle by councillors on Tuesday.
The council has been approached by two companies wishing to provide drinks, ice creams and snacks on the square.
Valenti's already have premises in Tavistock and wish to provide a summer service on the square. And Willy's, which sells ice cream in the Guildhall car park, is proposing a similar facility.
Mayor Cllr Norma Woodcock thought the idea was a good one and said 'a lot of people' would appreciate being able to sit down with a drink in the square.
But she felt the service should be limited to cold food. 'I'm not in favour of the smell of curried potatoes wafting over the square,' she said.
Cllr Ted Sherrell said: 'I have no problem with this — some sort of facility is probably a very good idea, especially if they can find a way of storing and moving the tables and chairs.'
But Cllr Marjorie Corner was worried access that across the square would be impeded by the furniture and that it would take up too much room.
'I think there are a lot of questions and I find myself a little uneasy about it,' she said.
Cllr Judith Williams was vehemently opposed to the plan. She said the extended paved area in the town centre was meant to enhance the town hall.
She did not think furniture and parasols would be an enhancement — and if flagpoles and flower tubs were erected too, there would be no room for pedestrians.
'It will become a hazardous place for people to walk around,' she said.
Cllr Williams felt if anyone should be using the square for refreshments, it should be the town hall itself.
The properties committee's decision has to be ratified by the full council next Tuesday.