A move not to go ahead with outdoor seating on Weymouth prom this summer has been described as a ‘ridiculous decision’ made by a council which is ‘stuck in the Stone Age’.

It follows a two-week trial by the Italian restaurant Bacaro on the Esplanade which saw the business extend the seating onto the promenade, on the opposite side of the road.

READ MORE: Town Council will not progress with Bacaro's promenade seating trial

Following feedback, Weymouth Town Council decided the scheme would not progress and include other businesses because of ‘comments received by Dorset Council’ and the town's Seafront Masterplan which is currently being drawn up.

With Bacaro receiving ‘multitudes’ of positive feedback throughout the trial, shocked residents and supporters believe the town council have made the wrong decision.

It comes amid a package of public realm improvements on the harbourside by Dorset Council which has supported hospitality businesses on Custom House Quay.

Weymouth resident Susan Rushton, said: “This is totally wrong. Bacaro and other businesses have brought life into the town, and we need more not less, it’s such a negative move. Seeing how popular the beach front cafés and restaurants are in Bournemouth we need to be emulating this and not going back to the Dark Ages.

“The outside seating is a massive attraction at little or no extra cost to the town. Why would we want to destroy this wonderful facility? The economy of the town will be affected by their draconian decision making, I’d urge them to listen to the locals and visitors instead of ignoring our opinions, as they usually do.”

Weymouth DJ Damion Maston said: “It’s a ridiculous decision, our council are stuck in the Stone Age. We are a seaside town trying to encourage people to visit and enjoy our great outdoor spaces and they just seen to ruin any good plans.

“The seafront and Esplanade should be full of outdoor seating, music, food and events but they won’t allow anything. It all seems very old fashioned. We should be encouraging business to come up with new ideas to improve our town, not stamping out any good anyone tries to do.”

Bacaro has not responded to an Echo request for comment but in a post of social media it said: “In accordance with the council’s decision, we are saddened to announce the closure and removal of our promenade seating area as of June 30.

“Despite following all guidelines completely, and receiving multitudes of positive feedback regarding the area, the council failed to see its potential in making the Esplanade a better place for residents and tourists alike. Our team have worked tirelessly over our trial period in attempt to make this clear, but our efforts have unfortunately been rejected.

“Due to extensive planning and research, we have experienced absolutely no problems serving guests on the promenade."

Cllr Gill Taylor of the town council previously said: “Councillors on Weymouth Town Council’s Income Generation Group met to review feedback received during this useful trial. A mix of views were received from interested parties however due to comments received from Dorset Council, and the ongoing work to develop our emerging Seafront Masterplan, the scheme will not progress any further at this stage."

Despite the town council's comments, Dorset Council said it was not a consultee on the trial sitting out licence and it "made no comment in support of, or in opposition to their application".

BACARO has not responded to an Echo request for comment but in a post of social media it said: “In accordance with the council’s decision, we are saddened to announce the closure and removal of our promenade seating area as of June 30.

“Despite following all guidelines completely, and receiving multitudes of positive feedback regarding the area, the council failed to see its potential in making the Esplanade a better place for residents and tourists alike. Our team have worked tirelessly over our trial period in attempt to make this clear, but our efforts have unfortunately been rejected. 

“Due to extensive planning and research, we have experienced absolutely no problems serving guests on the promenade.”

Despite the town council’s comments, Dorset Council said it was not a consultee on the trial sitting out licence and it “made no comment in support of, or in opposition to their application."