CHARITIES in Seaton fear East Devon District Council could put an end to their street markets.

CHARITIES in Seaton fear East Devon District Council could put an end to their street markets.Last weekend the Royal British Legion cancelled its street market because of new regulations.Town councillor Peter Burrows said the town's markets are primarily run to support local organisations and, therefore, cannot afford the �15 each stall fee.He said: "At last week's meeting at Seaton Town Hall, charities expressed their concerns about new regulations from East Devon regarding street trading."He criticised the town council for failing to make EDDC aware of the role of the markets in the town.He added: "Why is it Seaton is always treated by EDDC as a second class citizen? Would this have been allowed to happen in Sidmouth? We all know the answer. "This needs to be resolved immediately."However, Ian Carter, EDDC senior licensing officer, has said he would be lenient to any event already booked. In a letter to Margaret Rogers, county councillor for Seaton coastal, he said he could not condone the RBL holding a market in breach of the legislation, but said he did have some sympathy for the organisers.But he had urged them to reconsider their position and warned them that any street trading would be illegal.He said: "If, however, each stallholder has adequate valid insurance and every effort is made by the organisers to meet the full requirements of the legislation, the Licensing Authority may not consider it appropriate to undertake formal enforcement action."He said he would take the matter back for the committee's meeting on June 9 and would like to meet with the town council and charities to discuss the issues. He and Cllr Graham Godbeer are available May 18, 19, 21 and 22 for a meeting.