PICTURESQUE streets in Bewdley and Stourport will be protected from any future invasion by street traders under proposals for a ban to be considered today.

But Kidderminster, although at present not included in Wyre Forest District Council recommendations for tighter rules, could see a decision soon on requests for a farmers market and for more traditional outdoor markets.

The council's overview and scrutiny committee (environment and development) is to hear today the views of Bewdley and Stourport town councils which have made clear they do not want to see street trading in historic parts of their towns and would like to see existing permits taken away.

Although the six streets in Bewdley and five in Stourport do not normally have street traders operating in them, town councillors are keen to ensure they are properly protected.

Consultation on the issue in Wyre Forest was sparked in May 1999 as a result of a complaint to the district council from the owners of the Swan Centre, Kidderminster.

But the impending development of the town centre is likely to delay any conclusion to discussions on existing or future street trading consents.

Councillors today will consider, however, pressure from town councillors in Bewdley to rescind the current permits that exist for Load Street, Severnside North, Severnside South, Lax Lane, High Street and Dog Lane.

But they have asked for the proviso that this should not include one-off charity functions, street fairs and similar events.

In Stourport a town council report makes clear it has no desire to see the arrival of street traders in streets that officially have consent but have so far not been used in this way. They are Lombard Street, High Street, Bridge Street, York Street and New Street.