Calls for clampdown on 'itinerent' street peddlers in Tenby

Pembrokeshire County Council have been urged to clampdown on ‘itinerent street traders’ in Tenby, with one local county councillor telling the Local Authority that they contribute ‘absolutely nothing’ to the local economy.

Every year during the annual pedestrianisation scheme within the Walled Town, an influx of ‘street peddlers’ descend upon the seaside town, but County Councillor for Tenby’s North Ward, Cllr Michael Williams believes that the Local Authority needs to regulate such sellers, to ensure that the buying public are not being ripped-off.

In correspondence sent to PCC’s public realm manager Marc Owen, Cllr Williams stated: “I spent time speaking to families in the town centre and I was horrified to learn how much they are charged in particular for hair braiding!

“One family was charged £25 for a singe braid which I find astounding. Apparently, they are charged by the inch.

“Some of these illicit traders are living in vans parked at various points in the town and have a very deleterious impact on the town centre.

“They give a very unfortunate impression of one of the most photographed conservation areas of the county, and they contribute absolutely nothing to the local economy. Businesses in the area pay very high business rates and feel extremely aggrieved to witness the almost feral activities of these people.

“I have heard the responses from PCC for several years outlining the various legal reasons why nothing can be done, but I feel that if there was the political will an answer could be found, and I ask that a concerted effort is made before the next season to find a solution and rid our town of these unfortunate individuals.

“It would also appear that none of these traders have any DBS checks, when sometimes children are left without a guardian present. This should urgently be addressed,” he added.