Town councillor Mark Green has had a pop at the colour of The Olive restaurant in Stafford Street, claiming the olive-green exterior would be more in keeping in a “seaside resort”.
The Mediterranean restaurant is being prepared for its opening and work has included painting the first-floor restaurant’s exterior olive green. But former mayor Councillor Green is not happy.
He told the Staffordshire Newsletter: “Some people might think it’a a nice colour and if you were to do it in a seaside resort where there are different colours, then it could look all right. But when you’ve got it in the middle of a canal town steeped in history it’s just not right.”
The building is in the town centre conservation area but a Stafford Borough Council spokesman confirmed that planning permission is not required for painting the building.
Personally, I feel the colour is great. It looks stylish, very Mediterranean and – with the plants and new triangular signs – is a good indication of what the restaurant will hopefully be like on the inside. I like it – a lot! And although the owner of The Olives didn’t want to comment, this front-page story is probably the best of publicity he could get before the grand opening!
But what do you think? Click on the “Comments” button below to see what people are saying and to post your thoughts.
4 comments
Simon198
I noticed the paintwork the other morning. I thought it look great. Can’t see what the big problem is. Good luck to The Olives for the future.
Richard
It seems to me that Mark is losing the plot! I have known him for several years and I accept that he speaks his mind! But on this one he’s got it all wrong. The colour of the walls and design of the flags is extremely professional and well done. I don’t know the new owners but I wish them every success. These premises have had a chequered history and I will fully support this new venture. Stone has a fantastic reputation for being the ‘eating out’ capital of Staffordshire and Mark Green should be doing everything in his power to support new businesses like this one.
Let’s hope that this publicity will create even more interest in The Olive. Best wishes to them!
On a cynical note, this couldn’t be the sytart of Mark Green’s election campaign for next May’s local elections, could it? I’ve heard a rumour that his wife intends to stand as a candidate which might explain her presence at the photoshoot!! Which raises another interesting argument. Are husband and wife councillors good for democracy? Same opinion but two votes. Discuss!
Phil
Good luck to The Olives. The colour and the design looks really good. I was surprised to see the comments from Cllr Green in the Newsletter this week – though I bet he’s very pleased to see himself on the front page.
Harriet
I think the colour looks great – I can’t see what councillor Green is concerned about really. To be honest he should be supporting new local busineses and not criticising them in the press.