ROGUE traders are being warned to stay away from two Pendle towns as town hall chiefs prepare to launch a new scheme.

Door-to-door salesmen, ice cream men and stall holders must now gain Street Trading Consent before selling their wares in Nelson and Brierfield.

After August 15, when the scheme is rolled out, anyone found trading without permission could be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000.

Councillors approved the initiative at last month’s annual Pendle Council meeting.

It is hoped the action deters rogue traders and bogus callers from operating in the towns.

Councillor Eileen Ansar, chairman of Pendle’s licensing committee, said: “Over the last few years local councillors have been hearing from residents who are concerned about the volume and type of street traders who call at their homes.

“It’s been a particular problem in Brierfield and Nelson, and we’ve been listening to residents’ concerns.”

Mick Armfield, Pendle’s licensing enforcement officer, said street traders should apply for consent as soon as possible.

He said: “Traders selling items such as ice cream, fish, fruit and vegetables can get application forms by contacting the licensing team at Nelson Town Hall.”