Shopkeepers in Tenby have launched a campaign to stop street trading in the town. A petition signed by a large number of the resort's business people has been sent to Pembrokeshire County Council calling for them to take immediate action to stop what they see as an 'ongoing and annually increasing' problem. The traders are also being supported by Tenby Town Council who are to apply for a bye-law to prohibit street trading in the town. "The legitimate traders object very strongly to the council's current policy of permitting pedlars and street traders in the town," said one of the campaigners, Jane Williams, of Arch House, St. George Street. "Unlike ourselves, these traders have virtually no overheads; they have no investment in the town, they pay no rent, no rates and, more worryingly for the consumer, are unlikely to have public liability insurance," she explained. She continued: "We on the other hand are subject to the ever increasing burden of the Commercial Business Rate, which is of course payable all year round. "We feel very strongly that these traders represent unfair competition to legitimate traders, many of whom have to rely on the summer season to make an income for the whole year. "These itinerant traders are allowed to 'cherry pick' the peak weeks of our trade. "The strength of feeling amongst local traders is such that we feel in these circumstances our commercial rate burden is intolerable, and if the situation continues, we will individually be making applications to the council for a reduction in rates to compensate for the loss of business. "We therefore request Pembrokeshire County Council take immediate action to stop street trading in Tenby." In addition, the traders have also written to CADW informing them that street traders had been 'knocking nails' into the town walls to hang their goods.

COUNTY COUNCIL RESPONSE

When contacted by the Observer, Len Mullins, Pembrokeshire County Council's press and public relations officer, said the authority were 'aware' of the concerns about street trading in Tenby and were working working to resolve the problems.

TOWN COUNCIL CALLS FOR BYE-LAW

Meanwhile, Tenby Town Council is calling for a bye-law to be introduced to prohibit street trading in the town. At their meeting this week, members decided to look into applying for a bye-law after hearing that Padstow in Cornwall had taken similar action to curb the same problem. "We as a town council have been supporting our traders on this issue for the last two years," said Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, at Tuesday night's meeting, when a copy of the petition from the traders was received. "It is grossly unfair; our traders have had their rates increased this year by £1,000, yet these street traders come into the town and reap the benefits at the peak times of the year," she continued. "We do not want street traders or pedlars operating in the town, we want legitimate businesses. We must support the traders. It is time to stop pussy-footing around. We need to make a stand." Clr. John Griffiths informed the council that it was a nationwide problem and he suggested they get in touch with other towns in Great Britain experiencing similar problems and see what action they were taking to combat it. Added Deputy Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter: "If I was a trader, I would be absolutely dismayed and I would have a good mind to put up a table outside my shop and start selling my goods." Following a proposal by Clr. Mrs. Maureen Ward, members agreed to look into applying for a bye-law to prohibit street trading in Tenby. "If Padstow can introduce a bye-law, why can't we?" queried Clr. Mrs. Ward. Members also agreed to contact the other towns which were experiencing similar problems, as well as looking into updating the town's current bye-law regarding street trading. In addition, councillors also agreed to send a letter to Pembrokeshire County Council asking that applications for street trading licences - other than those associated with the Tenby Events Management Street Markets - be opposed. FOOTNOTE: At their meeting this week, members of Tenby Town Council were informed that street markets, organised by Tenby Events Management Limited, would be held fortnightly on Sundays between June 19 and September 18. In addition, a proposal was being considered to move the market on Sunday, August 7, which coincides with Tenby Round Table's second summer spectacular, to Tudor Square.