A TRADER trying to expand his business in the heart of the Avenues says he has encountered obstacles.
Richard Turner, who owns Milkshake Factory in Newland Avenue, has a mobile trailer from which the business trades at festivals.
However, Hull City Council will not let him apply for a pitch until January.
Mr Turner says he has "more than 60 CVs" on his desk and would be able to take on several more staff.
He said: "It might be a small opportunity, but it's still an opportunity for the council to create employment."
Street trading is currently handled by the network management unit but, from 2014, it will be the licensing department's responsibility.
Mr Turner said he faced losing six months' worth of business.
Nearly all the business's suppliers are local, with sweets coming from Sugar Sugar in Newland Avenue, and fruit from greengrocers in the Avenues.
He said having an outlet to trade from in the city centre, even a mobile trailer, would increase the amount of supplies he bought from other Avenues traders.
Wyke ward councillor John Fareham said it was "wholly unacceptable" to postpone applications.
He said: "This is responsibility 'tennis'. In a city where unemployment is so high, we've got somebody trying to create work and risking profits.
"It should be the council's role to facilitate it.
"I'm not saying he should get a pitch, but the man pays his rates and should have the opportunity to apply."
Richard Townend, city council network management manager, said the process to establish street trading in the city centre was too time-consuming to start before it is transferred to the licensing department in January and would not make "financial or viable sense".
He estimated the process would take nearly six months to complete because current businesses that could be affected by a new street trader would have to be consulted.
Mr Townend said: "Businesses are struggling and we have to support all businesses.
"We need to look at the needs of existing units."
He said the process would be refined when it was transferred to the licensing department, to make it less costly.
Have you got a story for the Avenues page? Call Phoebe on 01482 315058 or email p.jackson-edwards@mail newsmedia.co.uk
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