Costa Coffee "Land Grab"

Has anyone else noticed that Costa appear to have adopted the Vladimir Putin model for expansion.
Their original outdoor seating area was created using screens, posts and planters, and in itself represented an obstruction.  Almost immediately they began to block a significant portion of the remaining pavement with a very large and heavy “A” board. Consequently people had no choice but to walk closer, or sometimes even on, to the road to avoid bumping into it, or other pedestrians. Many did bump into it because they didn’t see it until it was too late, especially when the pavement is busy.
Then Costa recently extended the seating into the path which the “A” board had firmly established as a “no go” route for pedestrians.
Now they have started placing the “A” board on the remaining very narrow strip, causing a significant and fairly hefty obstruction.
In the space of less than 5 minutes today, I noted 2 people who stepped onto the road to get past. I guess some of this could be blamed on their own impatience, but they would not have done so if the board had not been there.
Additionally would anyone bet against them extending the seating area again, once we have accepted the new norm?
Can anyone please advise who should be contacted to ensure that this is correctly monitored?

Hi Stewart,
you may wish to check on the curtilage that Costa may have, over the area outside its front door.

Thanks Duncan. The map that Martin shared a couple of years ago seems to indicate they do own a significant portion of the pavement. But looking at the Google Street View photograph, it is clear that the area has grown considerably since then.

the Costa van also seems to regard the pavement as a road most evenings

These premises were previously a car showroom and could explain the footfall.

Here’s the curtilage map of Alderley Edge which shows which premises own the pavement at the front.

http://bit.ly/1hjfMkf

So it looks like they can use two thirds of the footpath then !

Good Morning,

as soon as I read this, I ‘leapt’ into action on your behalf. Your ‘never-sleeping’ Parish Council!
I have spoken with ‘Emersons’, to the charming ladies who ‘look after’ gardening etc.
Hopefully, as was the case last time, they too will ‘leap into action’ and the offending greenery will be slaughtered!

Duncan, I think sleep deprivation is taking its toll. Your post does not seem to fit in with the link and other comments. Eyes wide shut, hey!!

Hi Muhammad.
There was an entry posted in which the gentleman concerned complained about the overhanging vegetation from Cottage Lawns, onto Davey Lane.
His entry included a link to Name and Shame in Alderley Edge. which had a picture of the offending greenery.
I now can’t find that entry!
Was it all a dream?
I would be so pleased if someone can direct me/us to that entry.
So: I have spoken to the nice people at Emersons (thank you Julia) and the greenery will be cut back; hopefully within a few days.
O.K., I must away, there’s a grindstone that needs a nose pressing against it !

Hi Muhammad (again),

Lisa has kindly informed me that the ‘lost’ posting was removed as ae.com does not ‘do’ name and shame; I should have thought of that.
Onwards and Upwards.

Thanks for clarifying that, Duncan,

I appreciate your enthusiastic approach in dealing with the issues reported on ae.com (as well as the ones raised at other forums).

On a lighter note, never-sleeping parish council, dreaming about overhanging vegetation….are we talking about day dreaming here….surely not!!!

Hi M.,
depending upon your age; ‘custom made for a day-dreaming boy’ ; ah, bless the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Hi Duncan. It was a Facebook page. I won’t post a link but it uses & with the county name not the village.