A WITNEY pub has met with criticism over a plan to open an outdoor drinking and dining area in Market Square.

Spirit Pub Company said it plans a “substantial investment” in the Cross Keys, Market Square, including improving the seating, bar and garden.

But the firm has also applied for permission to change the use of the pavement outside the pub to create a drinking and dining area.

Disabled residents have criticised the plan because they fear it will restrict mobility, but the pub company said it is confident this will not be the case.

A Spirit Pub Company spokesman said: “We are going to make a substantial investment at the Cross Keys that will include improving the seating, layout, back bar, external garden and introduce external seating to the front of the pub. We hope the additional seating will be a key driver for guests to enjoy a drink or meal outside in the summer months.

“We have measured the pavement dimensions and are confident that the additional seating will not affect the public walking space.”

The company has proposed screening off a 12m by 12m area to the right of the main entrance to create the drinking and dining space. It will leave 3.5m width to the pavement.

If the planning application is granted by West Oxfordshire District Council, the company will need to obtain a licence to use the area.

Witney Chamber of Trade chairman Lesley Semaine said: “Any upgrade to a business premises is welcome and anything that enhances the town has got to be good for Witney.

“But no other pub in High Street and Market Square has drinking out on the pavement and I think this will be detrimental to the look of the street as well as impact on shoppers and the disabled.”

Witney Town Council member Brenda Churchill, who suffers from osteoarthritis and uses a mobility scooter, said: “Extra furniture on the pavement would be a nightmare for physically disabled people who use scooters or walk with sticks.

“It is bad enough now trying to weave your way through people.”

The town council has not yet met to discuss the planning application formerly.

A similar planning application to create a dining and drinking area outside the front of The Eagle Vaults in Market Square was withdrawn earlier this year. The pub’s owner decided it would not be beneficial to have the area because it would have created noise, nuisance and require monitoring.