by Gareth Cross
Shop owners in Derry’s city centre have expressed concerns about street traders setting up outside their premises.
The concerns came to light at a meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council's Health and Community Committee in Strabane on Thursday afternoon, where it emerged that a new policy is being developed to provide guidelines for street traders across the district.
A council officer told the meeting that the new Street Trading Policy 'aims to support a vibrant street trading environment that complements premises-based trading, is sensitive to the needs of residents and provides diversity and consumer choice, while at the same time aiming to prevent nuisance and inconvenience, to protect public safety and to prevent crime and disorder'.
Councillors approved forming a policy and gave the go-ahead for a working group to be formed with local stakeholders.
SDLP councillor Tina Gardiner said that some shop owners were concerned that street traders selling similar products were being allowed to set up outside their store.
Cllr Gardiner said that ratepayers needed to be protected and that council should ensure this doesn't happen.
The council officer said that in an ideal situation that shouldn't happen and that views of traders were taken into consideration.
The Sinn Fein councillor Kevin Campbell noted that applicants now had to pay a fee to apply for a street trading license and another fee if successful, and asked if this was a new policy.
The council officer confirmed it was new and said it was to stop unsuccessful applicants having to pay the full amount for the application.
SDLP councillor Gus Hastings said that ratepayers had lost out in the past due to street traders.
However, he added he was glad the consultation was taking place.
DUP councillor Hilary McClintock added that street trading brings a new dimension to the local area and adds to the existing tourism offering.
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