More than 3,400 people have signed a petition urging Newcastle City Council to protect dedicated seating for three traditional cafes in the Grainger Market, amid concerns over a planned redesign.
Communal seating plan raises concerns
The council plans to create a communal seating area for 300 people in the market's revamped arcade. However, customers and traders fear this could come at the expense of seating at Oliver's, Eats, and the Coffee Lounge.
Café owner John Phillips said it had been proposed that each business would be left with just 20 seats, down from 60, warning that such a reduction would not be financially viable.
Customers voice wellbeing concerns
Hilary Humphreys, a 79-year-old regular, said: "People depend on going to those cafes for their wellbeing and it might be the only contact they have with someone else in the day."
Newcastle City Council has insisted the cafes are not under threat, saying it is exploring extra seating outside the units and a communal waiter-service area, with the overall aim of increasing seating across the market.
