A-board charge blow for traders
Traders in Walsall could soon be forced to pay £150 to display goods outside their shop and £25 to put up an advertising board.
Traders in Walsall could soon be forced to pay £150 to display goods outside their shop and £25 to put up an advertising board.
Charges are expected to be introduced in April 2009 – providing councillors back the idea.
Shopkeepers say although the new A-board charges are not unreasonable, £150 is a lot of money and could mean they stop placing goods outside which in turn could cost them passing business.
In a further blow street traders such as fast food sellers have been told their annual licence fee of £2,560 will rise by three to four per cent, an increase of £76.80 to £102.40. They will also be forced to fork out a further £400 per year to renew their licence each year.
A spokesman for Kings Fruit shop in Blakenall Heath, Blakenall, said: "If you can't place items outside it is difficult to attract passing trade. As far as I'm aware there is no charge at the moment and £150 does seem like a lot of money."
George Bellringer, of Hire & Drive in Darlaston, said he is pleased the authority plans to retain A-boards and believes that the £25 charge will not have too great an impact on businesses.