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In the news · 11 August 2020 · BBC News
Birmingham Council 'late' over outdoor seating pleas
A council has been accused of being late to support bars and restaurants struggling amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Venues want to extend outdoors seating to boost footfall in one of Birmingham's main entertainment districts.
After months of discussions, the council says it is near to allowing the scheme, and hopes to pedestrianise Hurst Street by the weekend to help.
The authority says it is committed to aiding businesses' recovery.
But for some traders, the development in Birmingham is not timely enough.
The director of Southside BID, Lawrence Barton, has welcomed the council's latest stance, but adds "discussions are taking place that could have taken place two months ago".” Lawrence Barton
