A row is brewing between c-store owners in Bradford and the city council over a ban on pavement displays, which traders believe could seriously damage their businesses.
Previously, Bradford Council had allowed retailers one metre of pavement outside their stores to display their goods. Now, it claims, some traders have overstepped the mark and it is threatening legal action under the Highways Act against any trader who uses the pavement.
Bradford Chamber of Trade branded the new ruling a “disgrace”, and a petition against the ban containing 700 signatures has also been handed in to the council.
A council spokeswoman said: “We have to strike a balance between allowing traders to display their goods and people being able to shop without obstruction. In the past, we have allowed people to display goods up to a metre outside their stores, but a number of store owners have been abusing this. We will consider the petition and look into granting a special licence for floral displays outside stores.”
One frustrated c-store trader said: “Business is hard enough as it is.”
Previously, Bradford Council had allowed retailers one metre of pavement outside their stores to display their goods. Now, it claims, some traders have overstepped the mark and it is threatening legal action under the Highways Act against any trader who uses the pavement.
Bradford Chamber of Trade branded the new ruling a “disgrace”, and a petition against the ban containing 700 signatures has also been handed in to the council.
A council spokeswoman said: “We have to strike a balance between allowing traders to display their goods and people being able to shop without obstruction. In the past, we have allowed people to display goods up to a metre outside their stores, but a number of store owners have been abusing this. We will consider the petition and look into granting a special licence for floral displays outside stores.”
One frustrated c-store trader said: “Business is hard enough as it is.”
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