WORCESTERSHIRE people are increasingly travelling to Europe for their holidays. Most of these tourists will have noticed our continental cousins' enthusiasm for the al fresco lifestyle and perhaps wondered whether it could catch on in Britain, a country noted for its fickle weather and binge-drinking.

We may soon find out. The proprietors of a pub in Friar Street, Worcester are promoting the concept of creating a cafe culture and the Faithful City's decision-makers will no doubt say yea or nay at some stage. We say go for it.

Friar Street and New Street already enjoy a partial pedestrianisation but this idea would seem to depend on banning all vehicles so that punters could enjoy their food and drink without breathing traffic fumes or having to avoid that seemingly omnipresent delivery van. So far, councillors appear to be keeping the cards close to their chests.

The Worcester News believes that Friar Street would be the ideal site for a pilot study. This area, with its burgeoning restaurant and bistro trade, is already more than halfway there. Whereas certain other thoroughfares shut down after trading hours and become the playground of drunks and hooligans, this pleasant backwater possesses the kind of civilised ambience in which a flourishing pavement society could very easily take root.

While we would stop short of talking about another Montmartre or Rue Des Bouchers, there is certainly great potential here. So, Worcester City Council - it's over to you.