A POPULAR Italian restaurant in the heart of Leigh is set to double the number of guests that can wine and dine on their terrace, much to the delight of their customers.

Fellini’s Dolce Vita - in Elm Road, Leigh - will now be allowed up to 30 customers on their external terrace area until 9pm.

But from 9pm until 10pm, their terrace capacity will drop back to 16 guests, with the last booking for those looking to use the terrace at 7pm.

Southend Council’s licensing committee considered the proposal last week.

Douglas Cracknell, chairman of Leigh Town Council, raised concerns over the plans, fearing they would end in noise erupting and impacting those living nearby.

The restaurant, described as an authentic Italian restaurant and lounge in Leigh, had initially hoped up to 48 people would be allowed onto the terrace.

However, customer Carolyne Goodall welcomed the move after what has been incredibly tough year-and-a half for businesses across the nation, due to the Covid pandemic.

The 52-year-old, from Leigh, said: “I’ve been to Fellini’s a couple of times, and my daughters tend to go quite a lot.

“They love it there.

“We’re not far away at all and the food is always nice.

“So I actually think its quite a good idea. I don’t think 9pm is too late either, any later there may be issues.

“As it is it’s usually quite busy, or has been every time I’ve been.

“And it’s great to see a business doing well in such a difficult time, it makes a change from hearing about one going under.”

Mr Cracknell feared having more guests on the terrace would create a “noisy area”.

He said: “There are houses in West Street that back onto Fellini’s, and we didn’t want it to be too noisy for them.

“A few living there had their concerns about it, while a couple weren’t too worried.

“But as people drink they get louder, so we were worried it would create a noisy area.”

Leigh town councillor and leading Leigh Conservative Paul Gilson, added: “I think there were concerns about it causing extra noise for residents.

“But the business side of this is of course good, so its about having that balance.

“It’s based in the middle of a built up area and lots of people live nearby, so there’s got to be a bit of give and take.

“We don’t want to see families getting affected by lots of noise.

“It’s great to see the place doing well and we are getting an increase in numbers for licensing along Leigh Road, Broadway and Elm Road, so it seems to be an up and coming area for this sort of development.”

Southend Council’s licensing committee, which met last week, agreed that the external terrace area shall be limited to a maximum of 30 patrons only until 9pm. From 9pm until 10pm, the maximum capacity shall not exceed 16 patrons only. The last booking for the use of the terrace shall be 7pm. Customers will be seated at tables with waiter/waitress service and the sale of alcohol for consumption on the terrace shall be linked to the purchase of a substantial meal.

All other conditions on the licence remain unchanged.

The Echo contacted Fellini’s Dolce Vita for comment but the owners did not respond to our requests.

The restaurant is one of many in Leigh including Irma’s Pizzeria and the Estuary in The Broadway.