Oakengates Carnival stall charges fears allayed

The group has thanked Telford & Wrekin Council for responding to their tweets of concern over a proposed £60-a-day charge for street traders.

Oakengates Carnival volunteers mistakenly believed charity stalls and car boot sales at their July event would be affected by the new consent.

But the cost would only apply only to commercial street sellers such as burger and ice cream vans, Telford & Wrekin Council has clarified.

Charity stalls and car boot sales at carnivals and fairs would not be affected, said the authority.

Confusion reigned over Twitter after organisers of Oakengates Carnival tweeted: "Right so we are worried about the new car boot tax imposed by @TelfordWrekin £60 approximately for all stall holders in area."

And: "This will mean charity stalls small traders will pay £60 per day at fetes fairs church events etc."

The tweets were sent to a number of the borough's key players including the council's managing director, Richard Partington and arts and culture manager Psyche Hudson.

Borough councillors Shaun Davies, Gilly Reynolds and Clive Elliot were also copied in along with prospective parliamentary candidate for the Conservative party in Telford Lucy Allan.

Councillor Davies joked: "Power to @OakengatesC got at least four councillors including three cabinet members looking into an issue for them!"

Oakengates Carnival replied: "We don't muck about when something is wrong on behalf of all carnivals !!!!"

And Mr Partington replied: "Hi I don't know the detail on this but will find out quickly, hopefully we can find a satisfactory solution."

Shortly afterwards, the authority released a statement to say that the new charges will not affect such stalls.

Oakengates carnival then tweeted Telford & Wrekin Council: "Your clarification today is appreciated. It will please all the local carnivals."

And "Power of twitter seen last 24 hours. Taken guidance from council and turned it into a sensible outcome it can be done. Ta @TelfordWrekin"

Mr Partington replied: "Hi I'm glad we were able 2 clarify our policy and take away any worries, we want local community events 2 thrive #happytelford

Russell Griffin, spokesman for Telford & Wrekin Council, said it was introducing day street trading consents to boost opportunities for businesses for which an annual licence was not viable.

The proposed £60 a day charge would not apply to car booters, charity stalls, fetes or fairs, he explained.

"The law requires businesses who street trade to be covered by a consent from the local authority," he said.

"The Licensing Service has received a growing number of requests to provide day street trading consents.

"It was evident that only having the ability to provide annual consents was a barrier to a number of traders applying so we have taken steps to make this easier.

"Therefore the council's Licensing Committee agreed in January to introduce a day street trading consent.

"It is proposed that this will be £60 per day although this is still subject to a 28 day consultation which ends on May 30. The legal notice can be found at http://tinyurl.com/o9keggv

"However, when introduced, it will only apply to businesses such as burger vans, ice cream vans and other commercial enterprises.

"It will not apply to charity stalls or car booters or other such activities at fetes, fairs, church events or carnivals. More information can be found at http://tinyurl.com/pbyd574