Business leaders are furious over the proposal, which has been put forward by Fylde Council to boost public events.

Town hall bosses claim it will help them attract tourist-pulling events to the area and have recommended the plan goes ahead despite opposition from four local groups and St Annes Town Council.

Robert Silverwood, from Lytham Enterprise Group (LEG), one of the four groups against the plan, said: "This is an absolute disgrace.

"Why have the consultation if they are going to ignore the results of it? They're putting businesses in a very vulnerable position.

"Everybody is feeling desperate about it."

Michael Hyman, owner of Leonard Dews jeweller's, and Marc Whitehead, of Exquisite Shoes, both oppose the street trading proposals along with other town traders.

A report into the matter, by council officer Chris Hambly, said the council had received a letter from a law firm representing LEG, St Annes Chamber of Commerce, Defend Lytham and Lytham St Annes Civic Society, detailing their concerns.

A spokesman for Fylde Council told The Gazette: "Recommendations are recommendations. The councillors have to make the final decision.

"The point of this re-designation of streets is to improve tourism and boost public events.

"We believe this will help shopkeepers and not hinder them."

Trading areas earmarked in the report include Inner Promenade, Ansdell, Wood Street and Ashton Gardens in St Annes, as well as Lowther Gardens and East Beach, Central Beach and West Beach in Lytham.

Councillors will meet on Tuesday morning from 10am at Lowther Pavilion to make a decision.