TRADERS selling their wares illegally on the streets of Preston are to become the target of a new zero-tolerance campaign.

Preston Borough Council, Lancashire Police and Lancashire Trading Standards have joined forces to make sure shoppers flocking into Preston in the run-up to Christmas aren't tricked into buying from people who are flouting the law.

Present laws stipulate that licensed pedlars are entitled to sell goods on the streets of any town in England, providing they keep moving. But some are even setting up stalls in Preston.

But officers at Preston Borough Council claim more and more sellers are breaching the terms of their licences by setting up make-shift stalls and waiting for customers to come to them - effectively making them street traders.

A report to the environment committee claims legitimate street traders in Preston have reacted angrily to the trend because they are having to pay £25 to trade from stalls, whereas the pedlars are paying nothing.

Traders and pedlars have coming to blows in the past, according to the report.

A council spokesman said: "Police and trading standards met last month. We will be working on a zero tolerance-type approach."

Any offenders will be reported for prosecution.

The spokesman added: "The CCTV cameras will also be used."

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