MORE than 1,000 people in three days backed a snack seller's campaign to provide an open air eating place for summertime shoppers.

A petition has been sent to Blackburn with Darwen Council by Geoff Hindle, who has been selling ice cream and hot snacks from a van outside Darwen Town Hall for more than 20 years.

It follows a 12-month battle by the trader, who was eventually given permission in March to use three sets of patio-style tables and chairs. But he removed them after being told he would have to pay £40 a week to put them out.

Mr Hindle, of Top O'th Croft, Ewood, Blackburn, said: "I am convinced I would have collected 10,000 signatures over the summer months, such was the strength of feeling of the Darwen people about this issue.

"I have been inquiring at other eating establishments both in and outside of the borough and have yet to find anybody else paying extra rent for what is a free facility and of no extra cost to the council.

"I would have thought that any extra attraction to keep shoppers in Darwen town centre would have been welcomed.

"All I am asking is to be treated the same as other traders who provide tables and chairs outside."

Members of the council's regeneration committee will be given details of the petition and history of the issue when they meet on Wednesday, October 1.

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