A NEWPORT council boss has defended the authority's winter ban on tables and chairs outside cafes in the city centre.

As we reported last week, police had warned two cafe owners to move the street furniture as they were breaching their licences.

Angela Roberts, of The Pot in Newport Arcade, and Tony Rabaiotti, of the Burlington Diner in Upper Dock Street, criticised the council policy.

Mrs Roberts was adamant she would not move the four tables and ten chairs outside her cafe.

Mr Rabaiotti had taken away his tables but said he was "disgusted" as there were plenty of other premises who used their frontages for trading purposes.

Conservative council leader Matthew Evans said he was extremely concerned about the detrimental effect of the ban on small traders.

Councillor Evans asked cabinet member Ken Critchley to end the ban as a matter of urgency.

"Another couple of months could be too much for some traders. Surely we should be bending over backwards to assist them and surely this could be resolved speedily."

But Councillor Critchley said the partial bans were designed with public safety in mind and to help the free passage of pedestrians.

In various parts of the city they had tried to issues licences specifically to encourage a "cafe society".

Councillor Critchley, who has responsibility for engineering and transport, said all aspects of policy were reviewed regularly.

Earlier, Councillor Evans had questioned Chief Superintendent Kevin Price, Newport's divisional commander, about the issue.

He pointed out that the policy was contained in the partnership agreement signed by the owners.

He felt there could be health and safety issues but added it was really a matter for the local authority.