Stoke-on-Trent City Council has launched an investigation after a couple accused delivery drivers from a newly-opened takeaway of peering into their home.
Beck’s Pantry, situated on Werrington Road, opened its doors in June 2025, offering food and beverages through delivery apps.
The premises previously housed the Little Vintage Tea Room before closing.
However, local resident Simon Bradbury, 44, has said delivery drivers are causing persistent problems for residents, obstructing driveways and disturbing the area.
Mr Bradbury told StokeonTrentLive: “It’s been horrendous. Being woken up and struggling to get off your own drive. I’ve even had to get in touch with the police twice about the delivery drivers.
“I’ve got countless videos of them in front of our house. My wife saw one of them just staring inside. We haven’t got any privacy anymore.”
The resident described Just Eat couriers parking indiscriminately throughout the area, frequently blocking his driveway and that of his neighbour.
When asked to move their vehicles, drivers allegedly responded by hurling abuse at the 44-year-old.
The resident described Just Eat couriers parking indiscriminately throughout the area (file photo)
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Disturbances have occurred as early as 8am on Sunday mornings, with Mr Bradbury recounting being woken by car doors slamming and drivers speaking loudly on their phones.
He said he has contacted police on two occasions regarding the delivery driver incidents.
Mr Bradbury initially supported the cafe, visiting every weekend for breakfast when it first opened, but the relationship has since broken down entirely.
He said he believes the premises should function solely as a tearoom with restricted hours between Monday and Saturday, arguing the residential location lacks adequate parking for takeaway operations.
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Stoke-on-Trent City Council has launched an investigation into the matter
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The cafe owner has refuted the allegations, telling StokeonTrentLive: “I am actively speaking to the planning enforcement officers about the case and have complied with everything.
“They told me I could carry on with deliveries as delivery is expected from a café as long as its not my main source of income, which it’s not.”
The owner affirmed they had displayed signage requesting drivers park legally and away from neighbouring properties.
Beck’s Pantry has since ceased Sunday and Monday trading, discontinued third-party delivery services, and now handles deliveries personally.
The premises previously housed the Little Vintage Tea Room before closing
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The owner told StokeonTrentLive: “Despite this, I am still being harassed and have a case with the police. I am being reported for everything they can report me for.
“However, other nearby businesses are not. I am being targeted. This is personal. I have an appointment with the police to discuss it all.”
Councillor Chris Robinson, the council’s cabinet member for planning and housing, confirmed the authority is reviewing the situation.
He said: “We are currently investigating a possible breach of planning control. There are white zig-zag lines outside the café which mean no parking or overtaking.
“If any residents are experiencing issues with a blocked driveway, they can report it.”
GB News has approached Just Eat for comment.
