Sir, With regard to your report (March 26) of a row brewing about Costa’s plans to put tables and chairs on part of the Victoria Cross Square outside their premises in Wantage, as the square belongs to the town council and as this council opposes the idea, that would appear to be ‘end of story’.

I am somewhat surprised that Vale of White Horse District Council’s planning committee has, apparently, granted planning permission for the proposal. One further point.

If the town council was prepared to consent and Costa’s plans went ahead, that would make a precedent which might prompt The Bear Hotel and the adjoining baker to submit similar plans, to which the town council could hardly object.

Hugh Chamberlain

Portway Mews

Wantage