Focus wanted on rate-paying shops

A Matamata-Piako District councillor believes a bylaw should do more to protect local businesses from outside competitors.

Leonie Tisch told a recent council meeting that she is ‘‘ vehemently opposed’’ to mobile shops, and recommended the bylaw change from 100m to 500m for the distance visiting operators are allowed to trade from retailers selling similar types of products.

The 100m restriction was ‘‘too close’’, she said.

Council chief executive officer Don McLeod said there was ‘‘a general acceptance that mobile shops are part of our urban character’’.

Mayor Hugh Vercoe said he was comfortable with the 100m rule.

‘‘By moving to 500m we will be telling them to get out of town.’’

Cr Tisch said they must be careful they continued to protect businesses who paid rates.

On the cost of consulting on a single issue the council decided to look at this as part of the next annual plan and bylaw review.

At the same meeting the council amended its Public Safety Bylaw, relating to trading in public places, to include provisions relating to clear accessways and standards of cleanliness.

The council revoked a licensing scheme for trading in public places, and sandwich board regulations.