A CANAL-SIDE pub which was facing the removal of its popular outdoor seating is keeping the champagne on ice after support from thousands of locals prompted a re-think.
The Canal & River Trust asked the management of The Two Boats in Long Itchington to remove the outdoor seating after an incident thought to involve a cyclist being knocked into the canal in the summer.
But a petition, which has so far gained over 3,000 signatures, was raised against the move on Monday.
And, following its launch, the Trust told the pub there was no need for any immediate action and officers would meet with staff to resolve the issue.
Pub manager John Monroe said: “They have told us to leave the seating where it is and that we’ll come up with a plan of action to resolve the situation for both sides.
“It’s a shame it had to come to this but, in terms of the petition, we couldn’t have asked for better. So many people signed, not just customers but villagers as well.
“It’s not the fact it’s a pub but a part of the village, so it was a case of them coming up against the village.”
A spokeswoman for the Canal & River Trust explained: “The Canal & River Trust got in touch with the pub back in the summer following concern from a member of public who reported that access was being restricted for mobility users due to the pub tables encroaching onto and blocking the canal towpath.
“The local team is now looking at this again – the pub doesn’t need to take any immediate action while we review the safety concern and consult the pub to resolve any issues.
“We’re confident that we can find a way for the pub to continue its long history of excellent canal-side service whilst we ensure all towpath users can enjoy the canal safely.”
