A BAR and restaurant has reduced the size of its outside seating area after complaints from residents.

Banyan has won praise from one of the protestors after acting swiftly to address concerns.

The bar, on Brook Street, Ilkley, was reported to Bradford Council amid claims that pedestrians have struggled to get past the increased amount of furniture on the pavement.

There were warnings that the extra tables, chairs and planters had forced pedestrians into a busy section of road causing a safety hazard.

But after initial negotiations with the council the bar, which is owned by Arc Inspirations, has taken the views of local people on board.

Nik Lowry, Arc property and development director, said they were keen to resolve the matter and had reduced the size of the external area. In an email to resident Cherry Dexter, who had complained about the increase in size of the outside area, he said: “I did instruct the set-up of the area which followed consultation with the local authority to understand their policy for external seating areas so that we could create a beautiful area fully compliant with the policy.

“We operate similar external areas outside a number of our other bars without issue and are remain keen to do so at this site.

“We pride ourselves on being a responsible operator delivering great facilities for our customers to enjoy and we are also committed to being part of the Ilkley community which hopefully the level of investment we have made into the town demonstrates.”

Ms Dexter said the company was acting in a socially responsible way. She said: “I was really pleased to hear that common sense has prevailed and that the size of the outside seating area has been reduced.”