RULES governing town centre street trading are to be reviewed after shops in Trowbridge claimed stallholders were getting a better deal than shopkeepers.

Business leaders say traders are not working on a level playing field, with street traders paying less and taking customers away from shops.

Street traders pay £516 for an annual licence to trade on Saturdays, Bank Holidays and throughout December.

They must pay an additional £200 annual charge per extra day they wish to work each week.

Angeline Nicholson, of Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce, said: "A small shop in Fore Street has to pay about £13,000 a year in rent, plus £2,500 rates.

"People are competing in prime positions and there should be equality.

"No one is against the stalls, it is just about being fair."

But street trader Clive Noonan, who sells jewellery, pictures and fancy goods from his stall outside Knees, said everyone had a choice where to trade from.

Mr Noonan said: "It's the way it works in a free country. They choose to run a shop.

"What about the effect on corner shops when Tesco arrived, and all the imports from foreign countries?

"We are in 2003 and this is the real world."

The chamber says it is not against competition but wants the issue looked at.

Ann Mason, of the chamber, said: "We think there should be a review of the conditions and guidelines."

West Wiltshire District Council adopted powers to oversee street trading in 1991 and issues licences for trading in Fore Street, Red Hat Lane, Castle Street and Church Walk.

Clive Harland, principal environment officer for West Wiltshire District Council, said: "Outside these areas anybody can set up without control other than causing an obstruction which the police and highways authority can take action on."

Applications can be refused if the stall would represent unfair competition for businesses in the same street.

Mr Harland said the cost for street traders was broadly in line with what market traders would pay.

The district council is already carrying out a review of environmental health services, which is likely to suggest a review of street trading.

Trowbridge Town Council is to write to the council urging it to carry out a review in consultation with all parties concerned. Town clerk Doug Ross said: "There is room for both. Some street trading adds to the vibrancy of the town."