A Sutton businessman whose bakery's caf could be axed through lack of parking space challenges objectors see it for themselves.

Antoni Russo, who owns the Holme Lane Bakery and leases it to Helen and Trevor Hepworth, is angered at a Craven District Council order to close the informal caf section.

Tables and chairs had been added to the shop, owned by Mr Russo for about ten years, after a recent extension. But when council planners granted permission for the extension they had said it did not include permission to run a caf.

The Hepworths have just submitted a planning application for the caf but may be scuppered by Government guidelines. Rules state all new eating establishments must have off-street parking.

Craven planning officer Richard Preston says planning permission largely hinges on the highways authority's findings and local opinion.

"We've had a couple of objection letters and one of support - so there's mixed feelings," says Mr Preston.

But it was a complaint from a neighbouring business about the bakery that initially brought the caf to light.

Mr Russo, who also owns Keighley's Piccolo Mondo Restaurant, says: "It's a stupid crazy vendetta from people who have no vision for their own town."

He also feels there is no parking problem and says the only times Holme Lane is busy is around 9am and 3.30pm when parents are dropping off or picking up children at South Craven School.

"Anyone concerned about parking should come up and see - it's completely dead," says Mr Russo.

He believes the bakery/caf is a beacon among Sutton's troubled local trade and a haven for the elderly, single fathers and local school children. Mr Russo explains: "I plan to create a service for the old people. It's for those who can't walk or go to Cross Hills - a little bakery to buy bread and come and relax.

"Single parent fathers who take their children to the park can bring them here and have a sandwich or ice cream. South Craven children can come here and have a coffee or plate of chips. " He says around 30 or 40 people have been using the caf every week.

* This week Sutton Parish Council voted against the plans. "When they had permission to extend the government inspectors said on no condition could it be used as a cafe," said Cllr Chris Suri