Shopkeepers hail ‘huge step forward
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Business owners and councillors have hailed consultation on new street trading controls as a “victory for openness”.
Councillors and shopkeepers have agreed to work together to implement the new policy after a meeting last week between St Annes Chamber of Trade and senior elected members of Fylde Council.
A key point of agreement will be that no street trading will be in conflict with existing business – including food and drink.
The new controls on street traders will be introduced this spring to ensure the success of public events such as the Proms.
John Moxham, chair of St Annes Chamber of Trade, said: “We had a 90-minute meeting in which we came an awfully long way. It was a huge step forward for traders and the council – and one which we will keep going in the future by regular meetings.
“Some businesses had feared that there could be too many street-trading licences issued. Some had feared there could be year-round street trading. We are now happy that that is clearly not the case as licences will only be issued to approved, quality traders for a small number of major events.
“These events can only attract thousands of visitors to the area and traders support that as being good for everyone.”
Last week’s talks resulted in an agreement for both sides to work together in implementing details of the plan. Councillors, not council employees, will grant individual licences so as to enhance public events without hitting established businesses.
Any licences will only be granted for specific events and on particular streets:
• Inner Promenade Between Ansdell Road South and St Paul’s Avenue;
• Lowther Gardens and car park;
• East Beach, Central Beach and West Beach, Lytham;
• Wood Street and Wood Street car park, St Annes;
• Ashton Gardens, St Annes.
Councillor Cheryl Little, Fylde Council Portfolio Holder for Social Wellbeing, said: “This shows what good consultation can do.
“We now have existing businesses on board to ensure the success of this summer’s series of public events.
“People had feared a plethora of itinerant street traders springing up across the borough. That will definitely not be the case. Traders will be restricted to certain days of the year and to certain places – and they must be able to show that can enhance the public appeal of public events.”
