YEOVIL Town Council gave a unanimous no to a proposed relaxation of the car ban in central Yeovil.

As a result, a takeaway business fears for its future as customers won't be able to park outside.

Earlier this year, High Street, The Borough and Silver Street became a pedestrian only area with the exception of buses, taxis, the emergency services, vehicles with certain badges and loading/unloading during specific hours.

The proprietor of Choi's Kitchen suggested the 24-hour-a-day ban could be cut down to 12 hours, being effective only from 6am until 6pm.

But a town council committee this week recommended there should be no change.

The suggestion will also be debated by a district council committee before a final decision is made by the county council, which is the authority responsible for traffic regulation orders.

Parts of a report prepared by county council implementation manager Chris Young said: "Setting aside the specific concern raised by Mr Choi, there is a recognition that the night time economy of the town is different from during the day.

"Easy access is important for bars, restaurants and fast food outlets such as Mr Choi's and Burger King. And there is an issue of people's perception of personal safety.

County councillor Paddy Macmaster is in favour of the restriction being eased.

In a letter to Yeovil Town Council she writes: "I believe that the pedestrian zone during retail hours is an excellent scheme and has enhanced The Borough.

"But I also believe that it would be preferable to permit cars to enter during the evening and night as, once the shops have closed, it would help to contribute to the life of that area - permitting drop-offs and picking up to take place as well as using the services available and so keep it as vibrant centre to the town."

Mr Choi organised a petition which amassed 200 signatures in five days, favouring a relaxation of the car ban.

But the arguments cut no ice with town councillors. Some feared a relaxation would turn the area into a racetrack and it was also pointed out there is a car park approximately 25 yards from the takeaway establishment.

Pedestrian safety was also highlighted. Committee chairman John Vincent Chainey, for example, said that less cars means a lesser chance of being run over.

Councillors voted unanimously to recommend no change but did favour Mr Choi's application for an exemption permit allowing him to collect and deliver goods by car.