Outdoor traders are likely to be kicked off 11 city centre streets after complaints from companies that ratepayers' businesses are being hurt.

There has also been criticism that traders who sell hot food or trinkets are creating a poor image in the city centre.

Councillors are set to ban traders at a licensing committee meeting next Wednesday. The banned areas are: Chester Street; Glydegate; Pictureville; School Street; Broad Street; Salem Street; Stone Street; Grammar School Street; part of Morley Street; Little Horton Lane and Great Horton Road.

Members will also be asked by City Centre manager Elaine Frances to ban trading on Streets off Cheapside and Manor Row because it is a vital part of the centre. Improvements are planned for the Cheapside and Manor Row area next year. They will include public art work, landscaping and a pedestrian crossing at School Street/Duke Street.

Two years ago the Council issued licences to people wanting to set up colourful barrows on streets in the shopping area, including Kirkgate and Hustlergate. They were allowed in amid controversy and after a protest by shopkeepers.

Mrs Frances has warned that the developers behind a caf bar and restaurant proposal in Glydegate claim mobile traders will take business away and detract from the area's image.

Today Bradford Retail Action Group and The Chamber of Trade welcomed the move to ban trading in the other streets.

President of Bradford Chamber of Trade Eric Hudson said: "I think that it is only fair that people who are paying rates should have the first right to trade. It shouldn't be taken by people with no overheads."

Chairman of Bradford Retail Action Group Jeff Frankel said restrictions were necessary to protect existing businesses.

T&A Opinion

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