02/11/10…..Applicant for coffee street trading consent unhappy with council

DEAR EDITOR, I have sent the following letter to Thame Town Council regarding their comments and objections to the Coffee King application for a street trading licence:

Dear Sirs, Regarding the notes of the minutes of your meeting on the 26th October, 2010 that you see fit to publish on your web site. For such a body to have made the comments like you have and to have published them on their web-site seems somewhat reckless. It?s certainly wrong for a Council to be able to make such a statements (and publicise it) without it first being proven to be factually correct!

I would also like to address the comments you made.

?Members unanimously agreed that there was absolutely no requirement for a mobile ?Coffee King? facility, noting that there were more than enough coffee-selling establishments in the town, including take-away?

How do you know? Has the council tested the market? If so can I please have copies of their market research to substantiate your comments? I would also say that in making the comments you have acted outside your protocols for deliberating on such matters.

Can I also ask the council to justify these comments in light of their previous discussions with me since May 2009 when the town council approached me concerning the provision of a coffee stall in the Town Hall including outside seating? The correspondence consisted of several emails, two meeting and even a concept proposals being drawn up for;

A; External Kiosk upon Terrace

B: Front Lobby Kiosk & Terrace

C: Reception area Kiosk & Terrace

As you can see your comments have just a hint of hypocrisy about them.

I find your decision and the reasons for it show a complete lack of vision and against the spirit of a market town. You seem on the face of things to be responding to the objection of a shop keeper who is simply frightened by competition.

I would also point out to the council that street trading licenses are renewed on an annual basis and therefore, the need and viability of the Coffee King operation can be tested and reviewed during the initial year and the operation refined if need be on an ongoing basis. It also seems to me incumbent on any Town Council to champion free enterprise that contributes to sustainability and vitality in its commerce.

I look forward to receiving your reply.

Yours faithfully
Peter Butler
CEO

cc;
Thame news.net
Thame Gazette