MANY of us have enjoyed the outside facilities of cafés in mainland northern Europe, France, Germany, Holland and Scandinavian countries. Now we are awakening to how pleasant this can be for us ( Café bids for outside clientele , April 2). Our councillors

MANY of us have enjoyed the outside facilities of cafés in mainland northern Europe, France, Germany, Holland and Scandinavian countries. Now we are awakening to how pleasant this can be for us ("Café bids for outside clientele", April 2).

Our councillors and officers are faced with a difficult decision. Can we take the risk of allowing Starbucks space for 10 customers to sit outside in the sunshine? What happens if a customer sticks a toe out beyond the four metres minimum width for passing pedestrians and someone trips over it? Will Huntingdonshire District Council be sued? Have we considered the possibility of a bird strike on someone's croissants?

Surely, if this planning request is approved, one table must be reserved for a council officer to watch for infringements. Some loose froth from a cappuccino could wreak havoc in the Chequers Court precinct.

The health and safety of our British citizens must come first, even if someone attempts to smuggle a foreign Danish pastry back to the table.

Frivolous comment, maybe, but an example of the everyday nonsense of the rules and regulations we are faced with.

VERNON TURNER

Bury Close

St Ives