Feeling blue over terrace fence

A WRANGLE has broken out over a wooden fence on the front terrace of an upmarket café bar.

Customers used to cross the front of Jamaica Blue in Uppermill High Street to the post office before the owner erected the fence to allow guests to sit outside.

Now postmaster Graham Sheldon says his customers have to climb steps to gain access to the post office. He claims the fence could also cause congestion at the busy pelican crossing in front.

Jamaica Blue, owned by local businessman Nigel Hill, began trading a year ago. His original planning application for a seating area was refused.

However, after appealing to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol, Mr Hill (44), the former chairman of Saddleworth Round Table, was granted permission to use the front terrace.

Now, at the request of Oldham highways department, he has added a temporary wooden rail for safety reasons and presented the council with photographs showing a proposed new metal railing.

He said: “I want to ensure the finished wrought iron product looks right and is in-keeping with the local area. I was born and bred in Saddleworth and I am very proud of its heritage.

“The terrace has been levelled for safety reasons as the incline was too steep to place tables and serve hot drinks on.

“We have gone to great lengths to source reclaimed and well-aged materials to construct the new terrace.

“During the appeal process we received overwhelming support from locals, including 250 signatures and 50 letters.

“Before being granted the use of the front outside area, customers asked for outside seating on hot sunny days. When we informed them we had none, they would go elsewhere. This was very frustrating.

“We introduced a deck chair scheme so clients could sit in the park opposite. But now the new front terrace is exceptionally popular.”

Mr Hill says he is hoping the area is used all-year-round and is introducing electric external heaters.

He added: “We have received an odd comment that alterations to the terrace made access to the post office more difficult as many people used lower steps in front of Jamaica Blue to access the front of the post office.

“Now we have permission, the area is for the benefit of Jamaica Blue not for post office visitors. Perhaps the post office should review its access.

“I have created 12 new jobs and invested heavily in this new business venture. I don’t wish to destroy or harm any historical values.”

Postmaster Sheldon, who has been in business for nine years, said the front area had been used by his customers for many years.

“People coming straight into the post office, particularly if they have bags, prams or wheelchairs, now have a struggle with the steps.

“There is no room for a ramp and I am concerned any overspill from the pavement,which gets crowded, could cause problems.

“The fence does stop my customers getting easier access,” he added. “But I am concerned for the public at large.”

Adele Hayes, principal planning officer, said the inspectorate had allowed the use of the front of Jamaica Blue and imposed conditions on it being enclosed.