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(33)
STREET AND OPEN MARKETS

London Bridge Area
There were 47 successful prosecutions against unlicensed traders,
all " barrow boys ", trading in this area. Fines totalling £104 10s. od.
were imposed with costs amounting to £39 8s. 6d. Four further
summonses were dismissed as the magistrate was not satisfied that
the evidence was conclusive. All these prosecutions were for offences
occurring in January and early February, and no summonses were
taken out after the 20th February, 1952.
On the 28th January, 1952, a body of street traders, who had
been trading in this area, made application to this Council under
Section 16 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1947,
for a portion of Railway Approach to be designated for street trading ;
after consultation with the Commissioner of Police this application
was refused. In May, 1952, the traders appealed to the Secretary of
State against this Council's decision not to designate and, as a result of
this appeal, a Public Inquiry was conducted by Mr. C. E. Scholefield,
Barrister-at-Law, at Bermondsey Town Hall on 8th, 9th, 15th 19th and
22nd September, 1952. After considering Mr. Scholefield's report
the Secretary of State, on the 22nd January, 1953, directed the
Bermondsey Borough Council to designate under Section 16 of the
London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1947, for the sale of
fruit and flowers :
" That part of the southern side of Railway Approach (South)
which lies between a point six feet east of the eastern side
of the entrance to the Underground Station and a point in
line with the party wall of Nos. 10 and 11 Railway Approach
(South)."
and a resolution designating, as directed, was passed by this Council
on the 25th February, 1953. The part designated provided space for
15 pitches, and licences for these, coming into operation on the 23rd
March, 1953, were issued.