AN Italian restaurant in Stockton Heath is set to open its new open-air terrace – after it was ordered to remove its popular retractable roof.

Piccolino, on London Road, was forced to take down the structure following a lengthy planning battle with the council.

However, the eaterie, which is run by Individual Restaurants, has refused to let the Planning Inspectorate's decision dampen its spirits, with staff preparing to open the new open-air summer terrace tomorrow, Friday.

General manager Daniele Atzori said: "We can't wait. People love sitting here and watching the world go by or enjoying a romantic dinner by candlelight underneath the stars."