Assist, not fine informal traders

Illegal trading in all its forms is not right nor desirable. Let me say from the start, I do not agree with or condone it. I also have no vested interests in any of those businesses in Walmer.

Is it not a symptom of where we find ourselves after 24 years of poor mismanagement and plundering of our resources?

What is the municipality or government doing to encourage small businesses to operate, grow and provide jobs?

These businesses do not operate in isolation, their products are manufactured or supplied by someone and people are employed.

Look at the area under discussion. It is a hive of activity. The impression I get is to “go for the soft targets” to try and fill municipal coffers, mismanaged and plundered over the past 24 years.

Do not be selective in your administration of this law.

Do something constructive to help build up our small businesses and enterprises in PE. Concentrates on the positives, don’t always find fault, address issues sympathetically, assist entrepreneurs.

I find our authorities are masters at “talking the talk”, but are absolutely nowhere when action is required.

The authorities have enough problems in PE to apply their energy to, like the safety and security issues in the northern areas.

Repair the water leaks in PE, you will save a fortune and would make the rates you collect from the disputed Walmer area look like petty cash.

Informal and illegal trading is what is keeping food on the table for many, many households, and provides muchneeded jobs. Dave Ludick