Unlicensed fast food vending banned near schools in Wales
The Rhondda Cynon Taf Council in Wales has announced its decision to ban unlicensed fast food vendors from streets surrounding schools.
Public health and protection officers have banned street trading during school hours and term times in roads surrounding Porth County Community and Treorchy Comprehensive Schools.
The decision, which comes into force on September 1 following statutory advertising and consultation, has been made in response to concerns from parents, teachers and the wider community about the impact of street traders.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's Public Health and Protection team has responded to numerous complaints of road safety issues, litter, smells, noise and food hygiene issues as a result of traders operating in the vicinity of both schools.
Following the consultation, the plans have now been adopted and will cover a catalogue of roads surrounding the schools, making them "prohibited streets" within the hours of 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday during term times.
Abergorki Industrial Estate in Treorchy is the exception and has been designated a "consent area" meaning traders can apply to the council for permission to operate, with each application determined on a case-by-case basis.
Cllr Paul Cannon, cabinet member with responsibility for licensing, said: "We are pleased to be able to use the powers available to us in a way that responds to the concerns of schools, parents and the wider community.
"We are committed to delivering protection where we can and also supporting the extensive work that continues to offer pupils access to a healthy, nutritious and affordable diet that assists them as they develop and grow."