BIKERS will no longer be able to park outside a popular Yorkshire Dales cafe - following complains about obstructions to a footway. 

Many hundreds of motorcycle riders stop off at The Penny Garth Cafe in Hawes but its owners fear the sight of double yellow lines will hit trade.

Richmondshire Area Committee of North Yorkshire County Council agreed the parking restrictions last week.

The council introduced a new footway in 2011 running from the cafe for about 40 metres following complaints about the lack of a footpath.

However, there were then further complaints from pedestrians unable to use it because of parked motorbikes and people congregating outside the cafe.

It was agreed the cafe owners could apply for a street license allowing an outside area for diners while keeping space for pedestrians – but complaints over obstructions continued.

Colin Smith, speaking for the cafe owners, said county councillor John Blackie, along with Hawes and High Abbottside Parish Council, had not gone through the proper consultation channels.

He also said Coun Blackie had a conflict of interest as he too owns a cafe in the town.

Coun Blackie replied that a consultation was carried out by the county council and denied any conflicting interests.

“The issue has been of highways safety and the safety of pedestrians," he said.

“The area outside the cafe used to be tarmac but it is now a patio area that is very attractive with space for outside tables – but there is a clear problem of people, especially people with pushchairs, being forced to walk in the road.”

Coun Blackie said that Hawes would face another summer of chaotic parking if the matter was not resolved.