Sidmouth traders were asked what they thought about the council's decision to allow street trading on the Esplanade and Promenade during Folk week Wendy Taylor, who runs the Fish Monger in Market Place, said: Its better that people have a licence to trad

Sidmouth traders were asked what they thought about the council's decision to allow street trading on the Esplanade and Promenade during Folk weekWendy Taylor, who runs the Fish Monger in Market Place, said: "Its better that people have a licence to trade. It causes problems because some people come and perform in Market Place because traders have taken up all the space on the front."Jean Salt, who runs The Dairy on Church Street, but is also involved in the Sidmouth Steppers dance group, said: "From a dance point of view, last year it was very difficult to perform and the public couldn't see the dancers. If you're a musician or a dancer you don't want traders asking when you are you moving on?"From a trader's perspective traders pay rates. Street trading in a limited area is alright but it needs to be policed."Chris Glidden, who runs Cookware in Market Place, said: "It's obvious that every penny spent on the sea front is a penny less spent in town."The council should be trying to protect the shop community in town - we pay rates."Taxi driver and staff nurse Barbara Lovell said: "I think its jolly nice - it brings people in from outside."I can understand why shopkeepers would object but the stall holders sell different things."Yvonne Owen, who runs Paper Moon on Fore Street, said: "My objection is the way the council have dealt with the problem. "They asked our opinions and then ignored them. "Last year you couldn't walk along the front. It's horrendous for disabled people and children in pushchairs who have to be pushed on the road."Jeweller Anne Barratt ,at Fitzalan Gems in Old Fore Street, said: "Street traders cream off business at the busiest prime time, taking trade from town shops who contribute to the economy. I enjoy the music and dancing in Folk Week and the traders force musicians and dancers into small spaces.