West Berkshire Council is about to offer free licences for street traders in the town’s pedestrianised area, to try and create a more lively atmosphere.

The £800,000 refurbishment of the town’s only square has been severely criticized by shoppers and businesses, who feel the Market Place is now a large void apart from market days.

After talks between traders, it was agreed that it would be mutually beneficial to have tables and chairs outside food and drink outlets on market days.

But attempts by businesses to capitalise on the new space have so far been thwarted. The Berkshire Tavern hoped to put tables and umbrellas outside its premises, until West Berkshire Council refused planning permission. And a hot food takeaway outlet had to pull out of buying the former House of Frames shop after planners had concerns about ventilation and fire exits.

Document House, Ask, and Berkshire Tavern are still interested in using the new pavement space, along with a further six pubs and restaurants elsewhere in town.

New guidelines are expected to be approved by the Conservative cabinet tomorrow. They include banning white plastic furniture, umbrellas with brewery logos, and rope barriers. The council will also insist on every operator having £5m insurance cover, and have extra toilets to cope with extra customers.