Cafe customers made a stand against a ban on alfresco tables and chairs – by staging an open air sit-in. More than 60 people brought their own chairs and tables to demonstrate at the Cafe Continental in Montague Place, Worthing.

They were protesting at the ban imposed by West Sussex County Council and Worthing Borough Council.

The councils ordered business owners Trevor and Sue Jones to remove all alfresco tables except for two under the cafe's canopy.

They ruled the furniture was a “highway hazard” even though it had been placed outside for 14 years without a problem.

Mr and Mrs Jones and their customers were stunned because tourism officials were promoting the town's cafe culture.

The couple warned they might have to lay off staff or even close if the ban wasn't rescinded.

Saturday’s protest was organised by the Worthing Sentinel, sister paper of The Argus.

Mr Jones said: “What a great turn out. The councils have got to sit up and listen and start to think about Montague Place, which is crying out to be turned into a pedestrian precinct and fantastic alfresco area.”

The borough council said it would not enforce the ban while it negotiates with the county council and Mr and Mrs Jones to find a solution.

The county council said: “During the summer this street is a main walkway for people going from the town to the seafront, and while we are keen to encourage tables and chairs, there needs to be a sensible balance to maintain adequate pavement space for pedestrians.”

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