MILLPORT businesses could be at risk of losing their outdoor seating areas after the council crackdown.

Council bosses have issued shops with permits following complaints of restricted access to the footpaths caused by the number of tables and chairs sitting outside local shops, bars and eateries.

Officials last week swooped to hand out forms about the rules, which state the amount of pavement landlords are allowed to occupy.

Local shop owners have hit back, saying the pavements are too narrow in most areas to adhere unless they take all their furniture indoors.

The Royal George owner Margaret Kennedy, pictured, said: "Outside some of the shops the pavements are narrow already, even without the tables and chairs.

"Minstrels seem to have removed their furniture altogether now.

"The restriction means we have just enough space to put our bench outside of The Royal George.

"Outside of the Round Island is probably the only place where there would be a big enough space to have tables and chairs with the recommended amount of pavement still available."

However the council say that they have already relaxed the rules in recognition of the benefit the outdoor seating brings to the island's economy.

A North Ayrshire spokesperson said: "We visited the location and noted that many businesses were in the practice of situating items on the public footway.

“It is an offence to place anything on a road or footway that causes an obstruction without the written authority of the council.

"Given that this was a common occurrence which generally caused no issues and was beneficial to local businesses - many of whom may have limited space within their premises - it was thought best to formalise this practice.

"Following discussions with all businesses affected, permits under Section 59 of the Roads Act were granted to allow them to situate items within a 1m space along the frontage of their premises. In most cases this allows around 2m to 2.5m of footway for pedestrian use.

“All businesses who were given a permit should be fully aware of this condition.

“Business owners currently without a permit can apply for one by emailing roadspermits@north-ayrshire.gov.uk."