FEARS have been expressed about pedlars in the centre of Winchester obstructing the movement of shoppers.

City councillor Ian Tait said that over the festive period, a pedlar positioned himself in a pinch point in the High Street, causing issues for pedestrians.

Market traders in the city have also said they are worried about the impact of pedlars.

In a question to former council leader Stephen Godfrey, Cllr Tait said: “Does the leader share my concerns that whilst the High Street Market was re-configured to avoid the pinch-point in front of Laura Ashley the benefits were then negated by a pedlar positioning himself virtually permanently in that position causing significant disruption to the movement of pedestrians through this critical route to the Cathedral and High Street during the Christmas period.

“What measures if any are being considered to avoid this situation occurring this year?”

Departing city council leader Stephen Godfrey said the issue is one for the police rather than the city council, and that as part of the Pedlars Act 1871, pedlars have to ensure they do not remain static in a single place other than when conducting a sale.

Cllr Godfrey answered: “In answer to the question I do share the councillor’s concerns and where such a pedlar is found to be causing a disruption they should be moved on accordingly.”

The issue had been more prominent in Southampton, where traders challenged a ruling which prevented them from pitching up in Above Bar Street without a designated license from Southampton City Council.