They're back: stalls return to South Bank as patrols end

Unlicensed street traders have returned to the South Bank after town hall bosses stopped patrols by the wardens who had driven them out.

The traders, selling cheap souvenirs and fast food, were forced out earlier this year amid claims they were turning the riverside walk into a "penny bazaar".

It is a big attraction for Londoners and tourists with venues including the London Eye, Tate Modern and Southbank Centre. But critics say it is again being besieged by unlicensed traders since Lambeth council withdrew the patrols.

Peter Truesdale, a Liberal Democrat opposition leader on the council, said the move "beggared belief " and would undo all previous good work.

"As well as being a nuisance, unlicensed food vendors pose a potential health risk to anyone unfortunate enough to buy their wares," he said.

"Westminster operates tough controls just over the river, while unregulated, unpatrolled Lambeth draws in unlicensed traders like flies around honey. Labour likes to talk big about regenerating the South Bank and then turns it into something resembling a penny bazaar."

In one swoop during the summer of 2000, Lambeth and the police joined forces to drive the traders out of the area next to the London Eye, which attracts more than 3.5 million visitors a year.

Operation Hot Dog saw council officials seize hot dog and drinks trolleys from traders after complaints from tourists, residents and businesses.

Today one trader, who would not give his name was running a stall selling Union Jack hats and T-shirts. He claimed his boss did have a licence and said: "We sell a lot of T-shirts and hats to tourists. They like the toy buses as well."

The stall's other popular items include Union Jack pens for £1.50, black cab keyrings for £3 and plastic police helmets for £1.50.

A Lambeth spokesman said the wardens had been funded by the South Bank Partnership, which the council belongs to. After a review of their "effectiveness" the partnership stopped patrols. He said it was now "in the process of establishing a new, more effective patrolling service". A spokeswoman for the London Eye said: "We will support any measures that will enhance the area for visitors and residents and support Lambeth in any solution towards illegal traders."

Some shoppers were relaxed about the stalls. Peter Lane, 67, from Buckinghamshire, said he did not think they did any harm.

He said: "I wouldn't normally come here but I am buying presents for someone who has just got their citizenship so I wanted to get them a few things. Some of the stuff is a bit tatty but it serves a purpose and I'm sure some tourists like it."