Plans for Durham's caf society dashed.

County councillors have decided that tables and chairs outside the Market Tavern will get in the way of people walking through the narrow space between the pub and public phone boxes - particularly on market days.

One hundred and ninety-five pedestrians were counted going past in five minutes when Highways Committee members visited the spot yesterday.

The Labour-run council's deputy leader Bob Pendlebury said: "That's far too many. There would be too much conflict with tables and chairs and telephone boxes and market stalls at particular times of the week.''

George Porter said: "I was initially in favour of it but after seeing the site and how narrow it is between the building and the telephone boxes I think it would create a problem on busy market days.''

John Armstrong said: "When we moved between the telephone kiosks and the pub, the committee created an obstruction and people had to walk around the kiosks to get past.

"If we wanted to create a disaster and major problems we would allow this application.''

Police opposed the plan because it could lead to rowdyism in sight of tourists and Durham City Council complained it could hamper future proposals for the square.

Liberal Democrat Nigel Martin said: "The city council needs to have a clear vision - if that's possible for the city council - of what they want the Market Place looking like.

"I have no problem with the continental feel of things but the rule in Europe is that outside seats and tables are barrier-ed off.''

Councillor Martin added: "People would be moving chairs in the way of people. They would be causing a physical obstruction for a lot of the period they are used.''

Earlier this week pub owners Scottish and Newcastle Retail said they planned to have just two tables and seats outside during the day only.

The firm said it wanted to allow drinkers to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Market Place and rejected claims the plans would cause problems.