CONCERNS have been raised that a new government scheme allowing food and drink to be served outside will bring the return of ‘drunkenness on the streets’. South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) has approved a fast-track pavement licensing scheme to support businesses reopening following the coronavirus lockdown. Here's what readers said...

Dumptruck1901 said: “Ulverston is slowly becoming like Blackpool at the weekend. Wait until Mcdonald’s opens. There will be a stream of boy and girl racers coming into the town. It will be like the illuminations...”

Barrow Insider said: “I do not think putting out a few tables and chairs in Ulverston for a while to encourage people to eat and drink outside will lead to the break down of society. In some places they call it alfresco dining. Let’s hope that McDonald’s do not do an M&S and relocate to the Ulverston Strip. Good point about the illuminations. Could have an all year round Lantern Parade down The Strip. It would brighten the town up and help to see what you’re eating.”

Trevor Dickinson said:”Return of drunkenness on the streets, that’s a laugh, there is always drunks in Ulverston town. When lockdown was on the town was dead, it’s the pubs that run Ulverston, not the council.”

Johnny Gee said: “Great idea, Ulverston is just right for this kind of venture.”

Friend of the A590 said: “Ulverston is so funny!”

Margaret Sedgwick said: “What about disabled people. I’m a part time wheelchair user in Ulverston and it’s hard enough now to get around town and social distance!”

Dawn Mckellar said: “That’s a good point.”

Christopher Wilde said: “Wouldn’t worry about it, the way this government is handling the crisis, it will all be closed again in a couple of months.”

Grant Huck said: “It’s just so Pubs and Cafes can cater for the same number of people they catered for before.