Waverley Borough Council has cut the price of pavement licences for cafes and restaurants to help kick-start the local economy.

Under the new 'fast-track' system businesses can apply for a temporary licence which will allow them to provide socially distanced outdoor seating.

Councillor Robert Knowles said the move was to help support businesses in the hospitality sector.

"The move is aimed at supporting businesses selling food and drink such as cafes, pubs and restaurants," he said.

"The purpose of the fast track licences is to enable businesses to maximise their capacity while operating safely – as social distancing measures remain in place."

The move has been made possible by the Business and Planning Act 2020, which speeds up the process for local authorities to grant the temporary licences to restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes.

The legislation covers public land, and includes pavement space outside businesses.

The application fee for the new pavement licence has been cut to £100, and it could be approved in as little as two weeks. Legislation requires the licences to be granted for a minimum period of three months, and they can run until 30th September 2021.

Businesses wanting more information or to apply for a pavement licence should visit the Waverley website.