Sir, I refer to the Wantage and Grove Herald front page article, March 26, suggesting outside seating on the cobbles for customers at Costa in Wantage.

It’s a nice thought and one that could be tried. I clean that area for the town council, and also cleaned a similar area in Henley, though much bigger, in 2011 when I worked for a large municipal contractor which also cleans Wantage streets.

In Henley, I understand the shop may have paid a rent for the space. The shop staff and I cleaned the area daily. There was a lot of litter, however, and Costa added litter bins. I was at that time ‘a barrow op’ (street cleaner). Wantage Town Council could consider a rental charge for Costa using a restricted marked-out area and try it.

I suggest an area using half the flagstones and cobbles near the Arbery, towards the pavement. The public can ‘banana around’ the seating to the Victoria Cross Gallery and entrance to the Arbery.

John Winch

Chandlers Close

Wantage