PENDLE Council is urging street traders to get in touch after it introduced changes to its street trading policy.
Anyone who’d like to trade on any of Pendle’s streets now needs to apply under the new rules adopted by the council in February.
This excludes anyone who sells food in a lay-by. These traders are managed by Lancashire County Council’s highways department.
The new process means all street traders must apply for street trading consent from the council as well as having an up-to-date CRB check.
Anyone found trading without consent from the council from Monday, June 4th, may be prosecuted.
Mick Armfield, Licensing Enforcement Officer, explained: “We need to register all street traders operating in the borough.
“This includes, for example, those selling ice cream, fruit and vegetables, fish and mobile food caterers.
“Those who want to sell hot and cold food in a lay-by must contact Lancashire County Council’s highways department.
“Application forms and guidance notes, together with the amended policy have been sent out to individuals who have previously expressed an interest in trading in Pendle.
“But we need those who didn’t know about the changes to get in touch with us so that they can apply for consent.”
The aim of the council’s street trading policy is to create an environment which complements permanent businesses.
The policy states it must be sensitive to the needs of residents, provide diversity and consumer choice, and seek to enhance the character, ambience and safety of local environments, and it also seeks to ensure activities do not cause nuisance or annoyance to the people of the borough.
Street traders granted consent will not be able to trade within 100m of a shop or other static trader selling the same or similar goods.
Mick added: “While each application will be dealt with on its own merits, the policy gives prospective applicants an early indication as to whether their application is likely to be granted or not.
“It also provides prospective applicants with details of what is expected of them should an application be granted.”
All applicants must be over 17 years old and the cost of a street trading consent is £500 per year.
For more information about becoming a street trader, or to request an application form and a copy of the policy, contact Mick on 661987.