Business leaders are furious over the proposal, which was suggested by Fylde Council to boost public events.

Town Hall bosses claim it will help them attract tourist pulling events to the area.

But businesses say it will see street traders, labelled "hawkers," undercut their trade on some of the busiest days of the year.

The proposal was initially rejected by the council's Public Protection Committee but was put back on to the agenda

A consultation was launched.

But despite representations against the scheme from four local groups and another from St Annes town council and none in support, it was agreed at a public protection committee on Tuesday that the plan be approved.

Arnold Sumner, co-ordinator of St Annes Chamber of Trade, said: "The local traders don't just want somebody from outside setting up a burger van right outside a local cafe. It should have been scrapped altogether, we were dead against it. It's absolute nonsense.
"You can imagine what Ashton Gardens would look like if it was thrown open to commercialisation. It would end up looking like Blackpool Pleasure Beach. We feel that we are losing what is best about St Annes by this being allowed to go ahead."

Despite giving the plan the green light, the Council attached a number of conditions. These include
- all the applications will have to be considered by councillors and not officers
- licences will only be granted for specific events that have a measurable benefit to Fylde businesses and residents
- licences won't be granted for longer periods than the duration of the event
- they must not be for the financial benefit of individuals at the expense of local businesses or residents
- they must not detract from the classic resort status

Officers will now compile a policy incorporating these conditions before it can be put into place.

Mr Sumner added that he was in full support of the legal challenge on Lytham Green, which he thought could stop the council's street trading plans.