Ilkley's MP has called on Bradford Council to reconsider its decision over the outdoor seating area at Forde restaurant.
Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore said he had been contacted by residents following the council's decision regarding the restaurant's seating arrangement at the Victorian Arcade.
It follows concerns raised by Forde after the restaurant was told changes would need to be made to its outdoor seating area following a complaint.
Mr Moore has now said he will meet with Forde owner Matt Healy to discuss the situation and will press Bradford Council to reconsider its decision.
He said:
“Forde is a fantastic independent restaurant and exactly the kind of business we should be backing in Ilkley.
“Matt and his team have invested considerable time, money and effort into creating a brilliant space that draws customers in from far and wide and that significantly boosts the local economy.
“From everything I have seen, the changes to the Arcade seating area were made for entirely good reasons; making it safer, more accessible and more comfortable for customers, particularly those who are disabled or have mobility issues."
He added:
“For the Council to respond to a single complaint by demanding that this seating area is ripped out, rather than sitting down with Matt and working constructively towards a solution, is quite frankly ridiculous and yet another example of Bradford Council’s incompetence and unwillingness to support the very businesses our town depend on.
“At a time where hospitality businesses are already under enormous pressure from rising costs and other challenges, Bradford Council should be doing everything it can to support them, not putting needless obstacles in their way and making it harder for them to survive."
He added:
“I am appalled by Bradford Council’s handling of this situation.
“I will be meeting Matt to discuss the situation and in the meantime will be pressing Bradford Council to urgently reconsider this completely disproportionate decision.
“We should be fighting to keep brilliant independent businesses like Forde in our town, not giving them reasons to leave.”
Right at Home Ilkley team takes on running challenge to support dementia charity
Rotary Club of Ilkley announces new President
Ilkley Osteopathic Practice celebrates 25 years with community open day
Ilkley set to bloom as businesses battle it out in new wheelbarrow competition
Billy's Bus hosts first wellness walk in Ilkley
Councillors urge residents to have their say on 55-home Addingham proposal
Hike Yorkshire to raise money for bowel cancer with hike in Addingham
Later Life Festival returns to Ilkley for second year
Millions of £2 Northern train tickets go on sale
Ilkley Creative Arts & Culture Month launches across the town
Ilkley Rotary launches appeal to support people affected by Nepal disaster
55 new homes proposed for site off Main Street in Addingham
Travel agency opens in Ilkley today
Ilkley Scouts launches new programme for young people
Ilkley Karate Club celebrates 38 years teaching
Ilkley salon owner celebrates remission after first phase of chemotherapy
Forde Restaurant allowed to keep atrium following community support
Rizia's Bottega open their doors to Ben Rhydding
Festival crowds expected to make Leeds station busier than ever
Dog bus vandalised in attempted overnight theft
