Peaceful holy month as street peddlers banned

BUT BUSINESSES NEED YEAR-ROUND HELP WITH PARKING PROBLEMS

- NICK HORNER

A NUMBER of businesses have welcomed council action targeting illegal street traders and peddlers in a major Birmingham road.

But they say more needs to be done to solve a number of other issues, including parking.

Birmingham City Council has introduced a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in Coventry Road in Small Heath, banning illegal sellers and peddlers, those collecting for charity without a licence and those “obstructing the public highway” during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

And while shops have reported success on the trading front, the street is still suffering from congestion, parking issues, bins and goods blocking the pavements and food being thrown in the street.

The PSPO is active between Muntz Street and Cattell Road, near Birmingham City’s St Andrew's ground.

It gives police and council officers extra powers, with those breaching the order committing a criminal offence and facing warnings, fines up to £1,000, or further legal action where necessary.