Could there be no way Inn during the small hours?

Pub company Greene King, which owns the New Inn in Biggleswade Market Square, has applied to put up steel gates and fencing around its patio area.

The walkway – which links the market square with Bonds Lane – is a popular thoroughfare for shoppers.

If the application is approved by Central Beds Council then the walkway would still be available to use during the day but would be closed off from 11pm until 8am.

It has been suggested that this would help to deter antisocial behaviour in the area around the pub late at night when the premises is not open.

Biggleswade Town Council is due to discuss the proposal at a meeting on Tuesday.

Writing on the Biggleswade Chronicle’s Facebook page, readers were unsure about the effect the application could have.

Julie Springett said: “This is a good idea.

“However, it will just move the naughty people elsewhere.”

A Greene King spokesman said: “We are planning to install fencing around our patio area of the New Inn for the enjoyment of our customers.

“The public will continue to be able to use the area behind the fencing for access, through a walkway which will be open from 8am until 11pm every day.”