4th August 2011

WEYMOUTH: Ban lifted on seafront traders

By Harry Walton

WEYMOUTH seafront traders at the centre of a council row over leases are celebrating after a ban was lifted on their trading.

Cafes, fast food and bucket and spade outlets were delighted when a July 5th council management committee agreed to allow the bulk of traders to continue operating ahead of completing new seafront kiosks as specified in their leases.

The same meeting also allowed Tony Deadman, who had met building problems, to trade temporarily until September 30th provided he then started to build a distinctive new bronze boat-shaped kiosk similar to one just completed by his brother, Daren.

But days later the same seafront businesses were appalled to be told that they were banned from trading because Councillor Amanda Munro had “called in” the management committee decision as being against council contractual rules, forcing the council to suspend traders’ right to trade.

Now a meeting of the authority’s scrutiny committee has met to consider the call-in and been given legal advice that the initial management committee decision was valid which meant the “call-in” fell.

Councillor Kevin Hodder told the meeting: “The call-in clearly falls, management’s decision stands, therefore we have nothing to discuss.”

Members unanimously agreed with him to uphold the management committee decision, but chairman Councillor Simon Bowkett said of the “ongoing saga”: “While the call-in falls, I think we all acknowledge that this process has not run as we would have wished it to run.”

He added that he would be supporting a future look at policy and at the way councillors were required to declare a personal interest if it touched a matter being discussed by the council. He said he would also be asking that if management committee made a decision which went against council officers’ advice then they should give clear reasons why they had done so.

Tony Deadman said after the meeting: “I don’t know what I feel. I am a bit dazed but I am pleased it is all over. Common sense prevailed.”
Earlier the meeting heard a dozen different statements from councillors, former councillors and members of the public including Gary Haywood who said the whole situation had “embarrassed” Weymouth. He added that management committee’s original decision had been the right one and should stand.

Alderman Jess Nagel said future call-ins should not be by one councillor but at the request of a committee, adding that “a policy which causes businesses to nearly fold has got to be looked at”.

Management committee member Councillor Howard Legg said what they had done had been “in the best interests of everyone on the beach” while Councillor Kate Wheller said: “I hope you will decide against the call-in and allow traders to start recouping some of their investment so we can salvage some of the reputation of this town.”

Councillor Peter Farrell was blunt. He said: “I am asking you to put a stop to this nonsense tonight. Council officers have messed these people about for two years. It has to stop here tonight.”

WEYMOUTH: Ban lifted on seafront traders

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