Chelmsford police are poised to swoop on illegal street traders and confiscate their barrows in a bid to clear the town centre.

They launched Operation Fair For All in conjunction with town centre management after more than 20 pedlars took up pitches daily in the lead-up to Christmas.

Tough new measures that came into force on Monday mean that High Street pedlars with trolleys and barrows face prosecution by Chelmsford Borough Council for trading without a council licence and their goods seized by police as evidence.

Town centre manager Cathy MacBride commented: ''We had to act after complaints from retailers and the public, and last month the police issued warning notices to pedlars. So far there have been no arrests and not a single pedlar to be seen.''

Sgt Chris White said: ''Over the last few years we have tolerated the problem as a result of case law where a pedlar's certificate was deemed sufficient authority. But a recent High Court case ruling reverses this, suggesting that persons trading in the High Street using trolleys and barrows are not performing a pedlar's classic role.''

He warned pedlars by letter: ''We will confiscate all goods, trolleys, barrows and other paraphernalia used in the course of trading, even if you are in possession of a pedlar's certificate."

Mobile phone cover seller Luciano Masiello, said he was quitting the town after four years trading because he had sympathy with complaints that the town was often ''flooded'' by pedlars.

Mr Masiello said: ''It's a pity that they have ruined it for taxpayers like myself, who actually hold a pedlar's certificate, and get on well with local shops, council, the police and public. I am currently looking at pitches in nearby towns.''

Published Friday, April 11, 2003

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