DIDIM Council has appeared to have made concessions to the crackdown on its Clean Streets campaign – but at a cost to local traders.

The council has been hell-bent on ridding the streets of tables and chairs overflowing from restaurants in its fight for greater access for pedestrians.

But the over-zealous attitude of the Zabita has left many traders angry and frustrated – resulting in a major meeting with the Mayor and the traders two weeks ago.

Now the council has issued new guidance  which on paper will give businesses a 1 metre area to open up to, and up to two rows of tables and chairs but if the owners are willing to pay.

The rules are:

1 – No sales material, advertising signs, tables, chairs, refridgerators, solar cells and similar on the pacements outside business

2 – A distance of one meter from the shop boundary and up to 1 meter in height or vertical goods to display products provided. Cooking appliances and food display cabinets, such as refrigerators, are not included.

3 – Small stage areas without affecting the remaining individual buildings and pavement pedestrian crossing between the sidewalk (not exceeding 1 meter in height) can be taken only on condition that they pay for an occupancy fee.

4 – As long as it does not interfere with traffic or pedestrian areas, the municipal administration can, by payment in advance of occupation, allow restaurant, tea garden, cafe, cafeteria, to be able to take one or two rows of tables and chairs for food industry service users.