ROME, Paris, Madrid - Blackwood?

It doesn't quite trip of the tongue but if council chiefs get their way the Valleys town will soon be renowned for its café culture.

Bosses at Caerphilly council have been casting an envious eye on the burgeoning street-side café scene in Cardiff, and Newport, and they want a slice of the action for their own towns to make the atmosphere more continental.

They think it will bring more shoppers into town.

And to kick start their cultural revolution, they've introduced a six-month pilot scheme in Blackwood which will see restrictions on pavement café tables relaxed.

At the moment there must be at least 2.5 metres clearance between tables and the kerb on a pavement, which prevents many cafes from putting tables outside.

Now the council wants to reduce the limit to 1.8 metres so cafes in Blackwood can seat people outside.

A report outlining the plan says a "shift in customer expectations" has led to Cardiff and Newport having a more continental feel, with businesses benefiting from having tables in the street.

It adds: "This new more European culture attracts shoppers and most importantly increases the amount of 'dwell time' they spend in a town centre."

Manager of Caesar's Café on the High Street, Kathy Jones, thinks it's a great idea.

"We had tables out during the Chartist's Fair when the road was closed to traffic and everyone thought it was great," she said.

Now she's looking forward to the six month scheme.

"I think it's marvellous, it makes for a really relaxing atmosphere in the town."

Waitress at Caesar's, and Markham resident Rachel Lees agreed.

"The council's doing a lot for the town," she said.

"If people want a taste of the continent why not? It could work well."

Steve Blanchard, manager of Lazy Days café in the arcade near Blackwood's bus station said there's a good reason for more people choosing to sit outside.

"It's the smoking ban - people want to sit out and have a fag," he said.

"It's nice on a hot day as well - I was going to get a permanent canopy but it wasn't possible."

But he's doubtful about the new rules for the High Street.

"How are people going to get past - especially if they're disabled.

"I think it will cause problems."

Caerphilly council's cabinet has approved a six month pilot scheme in Blackwood - a start date hasn't been set.

If it's successful it will be rolled out to all the borough's towns.

The view from Blackwood "It would look nice and make it feel really friendly," said Shirley Gordon, 68 from Pantside.

Chris Gilbert, 34, of Highfields, Blackwood agrees.

He said:"It's very successful in Cardiff so I'm sure it can work here.

"It's really nice to see people outside.

Sarah Yandle, 36 from Attlee Terrace in Blackwood said: "I think it's a great idea. A lot of people stopped using cafes when they brought in the smoking ban, so this will bring more people in."

But Tony Clarke of Pontypool is concerned about disabled peoples access.

"How are you going to get a wheelchair through such a narrow gap?" he said.

Stephanie Hart, 44, and daughter Christianne, from Pantside agreed.

"People with prams and buggies will have difficulty," said Mrs Hart.