12 April 2023 , 21:15
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A cafe owner has slammed an "unsightly" new white line that has been put down at a marina that looks like something from a "Wimbledon tennis court".
Businesses were left perplexed by the sudden appearance overnight of a thick white line outside their premises at Barton Marina, reported StaffordshireLive.
The boundary, likened to something from a tennis court, runs the length of the cafe, restaurants and shops at the popular spot in Barton-on-Trent.
Gareth Howes, who runs the Indulgence cafe, said customers had been in asking why it had suddenly appeared, and he's been unable to tell them.
Mr Howes said: "It appears to have been put down as a boundary to stop one going on to the other and businesses putting out their advertising boards onto the walkway.
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Barton Marina is a popular location for bars and restaurants (Getty Images)"I am sure all customers to the marina will agree this new boundary painting is unsightly as well as unnecessary.
"Since the removal of the public waste and dog bins, we have been trying very hard to encourage visitors to continue to come.
"Lakeland Boats and Leisure have now installed their own dog waste bins along the frontage of the jetties, and I have also installed a public waste bin at the front of Indulgence Café.
"The marina is such a beautiful place to visit and relax with a host of great shops and eateries. It is very disappointing to see a white painted line like a Wimbledon tennis court to separate the boundaries."
Barry Morgan, of Barton Turn Developments, said: "The white lines on the marina promenade are to denote the area beyond which shop furniture or signs cannot be placed so as to ensure a clear path for visitors as recommended for safety reasons."
A Barton Marina Facebook post stated the "exciting renovations" that were being made including dog waste bins on every jetty.
It stated: "The moment you've all been waiting for!
"As part of our exciting renovations to our marina, not only are we fitting each jetty with anti slip mesh, we are installing a brand new dog waste bin on the end of every jetty.
"Please make use of our new waste bins and lets keep our local area clean, safe and protected."