Supporting Small Businesses..?

Clearly not...

'The council should be supporting small businesses yet they have given in to the ridiculous complaints of three residents. I just feel bad for the community as groups met at the cafe every day.

'We have a chap that comes and sits for three hours reading a book, as well as students from the Wyvern School.

'Disabled people liked coming here as they could easily stop by on their mobility scooters.

'I'm in shock and I'm trying to figure out what to do next.'

Give up trying to run a business, this council - like so many others - doesn't seem to like that sort of thing. I guess they'll be happy to forego the business rates. 

The decision notice states there were also concerns about anti-social behaviour and increased traffic at the site. It concludes: 'The development causes unacceptable harm to the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties.'

Oh, I'm sure there are residents everywhere that would be only too glad to exchange their troubles with the neighbours of this business. The smell of bacon and the clinking of teacups seems quite small beer, after all.  

H/T: MisanthropeGirl via Twitter

Time To Play 'Guess The Headline' Once Again...

Well, what could it be? Climbing them? Carving their names in the trunks? 

It can't be being injured by falling coconuts, after all, not in Devon's climate!

I...

Well, I can say I wasn't expecting that.

According to Plymouth Live, the council insists that the work was necessary in order to tackle anti-social behaviour. A council spokesperson said: “The area around the Belvedere shelter has suffered from growing anti-social behaviour, with council officers regularly having to clean up sex and drug paraphernalia.”

Which 'council officers'..? Because if it's the street cleaners or parks staff, some might say that it's their job... 

The spokesperson said: “We will be replacing them with planting that has improved biodiversity benefits and provides a better home to bees and bugs.”

And discourages public sex? Hmmm. Nettles?

The residents aren't convinced: 

The person, who called the palms “stunning”, said the removal of shrubs would merely relocate anti-social behaviour elsewhere and said: “Those causing the problems will simply move elsewhere.

The problem needs to be addressed at root cause level, not moved on.

“These palms were stunning. Adding to biodiversity for sure plus, as all island and seaside people know, they are the best at dissipating wind. The sound of the wind in palm leaves is unique and was something to be enjoyed by all.”

Quite! But not enjoyed in that fashion...

H/T: Ian J via email