AN OSWESTRY town centre restaurant has submitted an application to extend its pavement license to accommodate outdoor seating and tables.

Fat Rabbit, in Bailey Street, has put forward the application to extend the license for the outdoor area of 5.17m x 1.7m to Shropshire Council.

Linda Clark, owner of the restaurant, initially applied for a three-month permit for the area at the back of the restaurant, and is hoping to extend that by three months again.

She said: “It’s been amazing – people love going out there.

“It has been really nice because some customers have brought in plants to add to the decorations outdoors which is very kind.

“I think it has helped with the recovery of the town. I’ve always had tables and chairs outside the front of the restaurant but we now have them at the back too.

“Other cafés and restaurants have extended their chairs and tables outdoors too, and I think it’s quite good for the town.

“There’s a buzz about the place and it’s nice to see. It’s helping to encourage people to return to the town and visit more places I think.”

Linda hopes the increased number of visitors will continue into August.

She said: “I think it will be even better hopefully in August, with all the staycation-goers and tourists.

“I think having a good number of cafés and restaurants for people to choose from can be a big driving force for tourism.”

Members of the public are able to make comments on the application by contacting the Licensing Team at Shropshire Council on 0345 678 9026 or by emailing licensing@shropshire.gov.uk