PENARTH traders working in the hospitality sector have been told they are in line for parklets in December to help them cope with the impact of the pandemic.

The parklets are likely to be installed from December 7 and could act as an extension to the pavement, so businesses can expand outdoors and improve the appeal of their expanded premises.

The Vale council says, following a meeting with traders on how the Vale’s towns can cope with the impact of the pandemic heading into the winter months, it agreed that parklets would create a “friendly and attractive environment for visitors to Penarth town centre”.

Penarth is the first town to be supported through the funding, and a pilot phase has now started, with businesses including Willmore’s 1938 and Foxy’s deli being chosen as part of the pilot scheme.

Charlotte Court at Willmore’s said the introduction of the parklets has increased her covers and helped her manage through a tricky period.

“I think it’s an amazing and really practical idea, it hasn’t moved since we had it installed and it looks appealing,” she said.

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson said: “The Council has secured funding to support our town centres in line with Covid regulations. Consultants Roberts Limbrick were appointed to identify opportunities in each of the county’s five shopping districts and resilience forums with each of the four towns, Penarth, Barry, Llantwit Major and Cowbridge, were held to share ideas and discuss priorities.

“During this pilot phase, the parklets will be located in Stanwell Road, Station Approach and Ludlow Lane.

“We have worked extensively with colleagues in highways to identify areas that are suitable for parklets, taking into account highway and traffic regulations.”

Not all hospitality traders will get parklets due to the lay out of their outdoor spaces, and the Vale says alternative measures are being sought to use the funding in other ways for those businesses.