A café owner could be asked to mind the gap as a warning has been sounded over “guerrilla parking” in Farnham town centre.

Town councillors heard on Thursday (March 19) that La Dolce Vita has applied for a temporary pavement licence to put six tables and 12 chairs outside their 6 West Street premises.

While they haven’t objected to the application, members of the FTC Planning & Licensing Consultative Group are concerned the width of the widened pavement in front could become a pinch point, especially if the delivery bay in front of the premises continues to be abused.

Councillors would like the applicant to monitor the loading bay after restrictions are finally put in place, with some traders and delivery drivers currently expressing consternation about its ongoing misuse.

“We know in the short term there’s been abuses and we’re just waiting for the lines to be drawn and signs put up,” said Cllr Andrew Laughton to FTC.

“After that’s done they will be able to control the parking on the pavement like they’re currently doing in other parts of town.”

The ongoing abuse of the delivery bay on West Street was also brought up by Cllr George Hesse during the Farnham Board meeting on Friday (March 20).

The councillor labelled the practise “guerrilla parking” and suggested revenue had been lost because the bay “had become a free car park”.

He said: “I saw someone do an amazing manoeuvre as they spied the space and doubled back, reversing down West Street against the run of traffic to get into that space.

“There seems to be a trend of illegal parking and people taking the mickey.”

Geoff Waller, project manager, told the meeting that restrictions are coming with short-term options being looked at before resurfacing, along with temporary posts that confirm restrictions.