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A West Bridgford cafe's decision to prohibit prams is dividing parents and residents.

The Copper cafe in Central Avenue, which is one of three establishments, including that of Copper in Mapperley and Market Street in the city centre, prohibits all prams inside the building.

A new Copper restaurant is also planned for Bingham Market Place, which would transform an old office building and create up to 30 jobs.

While some parents have been left miffed and disappointed by the policy, others said they "don't see an issue".

Courtenay Rachel, a mum of two children aged one and seven who lives in of West Bridgford, said it is good for people to have a place to "escape" from stressful parenting at times.

(Image: Nottingham Post)

"I don't see an issue in Copper cafe banning prams," she said.

"There are plenty of places that are able to facilitate small children and prams along Central Avenue.

"As a parent, I think it is nice to have somewhere you can go with other adults and be able to relax without children.

"Parenting is stressful, why not have somewhere you can escape from it at times and enjoy adult company?"

Luke Mansfield, 35 a climbing coach and a father, added: "It depends on the venue.

"I always shrink down my pram when in a public space to take up less space.

"If it's due to fire risks then I don't have a problem with it. As long as it clearly mentioned o the door."

However, another mum, who has three children aged eight, six and 19-months, said she went in last year and had to put her newborn in a high chair which was too small for the table they were sitting at.

The parent, who asked to remain anonymous, added: "I went with my pram in May 2018 and was let in, but I was sat at a high table one with the breakfast bar style chairs, so the pram was much, much lower with my newborn daughter in.

"At the time we would have left because it wasn't ideal seating, but we had bought and paid for a Groupon voucher beforehand.

"I understand some places don't have the room for prams and there's nothing they can really do about it, but there's a way to act about it."

And a review on Trip Advisor, written by Emma P, said: "I have recently had a baby (12 weeks) and was out for brunch with some friends at Copper.

"Upon arrival, I was told that the pram was not allowed on the floor, firstly due to health and safety, and then secondly due to company policy.

"The waiter who was telling us this was very unsympathetic and just kept saying 'this is policy'. We were located at the back of the restaurant with no one nearby and zero need for the pram to be removed.

"So my friend had to rush her brunch to then hold the baby whilst I rushed mine.



"I will not be going back with or without a pram."

A number of other Trip Advisor reviews have expressed unhappiness over the policy.

The manager of Copper said the policy is clearly stated on a poster on the front door, but declined to comment further.

The policy on the door of Copper reads: "We regret that we are unable to accommodate buggies and prams etc in the venue itself.

"We ask that all children's travel systems are collapsed and handed to a member of our team who will arrange for them to be stored for the duration of your visit.

"We apologise for any inconvenience of the health and safety policy to ensure the safety of all our employees and customers.

"Please note that this only applies to buggies, prams, push chairs and scooters etc and does not apply to people using wheelchairs or other mobility aids."