A REVIEW on the way street trading is controlled towns in the Wychavon district is to take place almost a quarter of a century since it was last looked at.

The announcement has come just days after the Journal headlined a row in Evesham when claims were made that street stalls were damaging shop trade.

Criticism that stalls placed outside shops that often sold the same products were damaging to business had come from Evesham resident Julian Conway.

However, this was vociferously denied by the town's market manager Joseph Jones who, in four years, had seen the number of market stalls more than quadruple and local opinion suggested they helped to encourage shoppers into the town and boost the local economy.

Councillor David Brotheridge, Chairman of Wychavon’s Licensing Committee, said: “It has been nearly 25 years since we last amended the way we control street trading in the district and so it’s time for the situation to be reviewed. As part of this review we want to hear from anyone who might be affected by issues relating to the control of street trading including street traders, businesses that operate from established premises, town and parish councils and residents.”

Street trading can take place from a static pitch or on a mobile basis and encompasses all manner of trades and products.

As part of the review process, the council has published a consultation document - Controlling Street Trading in Wychavon - A Consultation – that can be downloaded from www.wychavon.gov.uk/streettrading.

Copies of the consultation can also be seen at Civic Centre in Pershore and the contact centres in Evesham and Droitwich. Alternatively, residents can call 01905 822799 (Worcestershire Regulatory Services) and request a hard copy.

Anyone wishing to make a response to the review must do so by December 31.