ANGRY traders in Moordown have expressed their anger over a council ban on putting goods on show outside their shops.

Many say their takings have plummeted since they were forced to keep items off their forecourts, and one charity shop says it's now closing down.

Bournemouth Borough Council has told shop owners in the area not to put goods outside on the pavements as they might cause a hazard to passers-by.

But the shops claim passing trade has suffered, as many potential customers now think their businesses are shut.

Moordown pet shop owner Verena Privett says her takings are down by a third, and she has launched a petition calling on the council to rethink its stand.

"I think it is the most idiotic thing I have ever heard in my life.

"I have been here 28 years and we have always put goods outside.

"But the council even told me that if I put our RSPCA collecting box outside they could come and confiscate it."

Baskets of toys and bric-a-brac were a familiar sight outside the Flogit and Leggitt charity shop but with the ban, many passers-by now think the shop is shut.

And trustees David and Beryl Leake say takings are down by between £150 and £200 per week as a result.

Beryl said: "I didn't want to get into a battle with the council, so we have decided instead just to close the shop down."

It was due to shut by the end of this week.

Brenda and Malcolm Plascott from the Bournemouth Upholstery Centre opposite also opposed the ban.

Brenda said: "Most of our business comes from passing trade, but now it looks as if everything is closed.

"We think we're losing around £200 to £300 per week."

Bournemouth council says it had to enforce the ban because of legal reasons, as it could be held liable if someone injured themselves on goods blocking the highway.

A spokeswoman said: "If items are on council land we have a duty to keep the highway clear."

Parking manager Gerry Bolland added: "The council has spent a lot of time advising traders about the law and asking for their co-operation.

"We are now issuing enforcement notices to the very few who do not want to comply."

First published: October 2