BLACKPOOL council has pledged to protect 'legitimate businesses' with its zero tolerance policy on illegal street trading.

Police and council officers recorded 72 cases of illegal trading during the two May bank holidays and the Easter weekend.

The council has already brought 13 prosecutions, while three formal cautions and two warnings have already been issued.

"We receive a lot of complaints from legitimate businesses that their business suffers due to the illegal activities of street traders," said the council's head of environmental services, Kevin Garritty.

"We will vigorously defend the interests of Blackpool businesses that contribute to the local economy by robust law enforcement."

Cllr Sue Wright added: "This is not a one-off exercise but an ongoing operation to remove an eyesore in the resort.

"The Council gets regular complaints from residents about Illegal traders in the town centre and law-abiding businesses suffer.

"Our zero tolerance policy will ensure that residents, tourists and local businesses alike will be free from the associated problems of these illegal street traders."

The council has warned that it will prosecute traders who sell fake or unsafe goods or who trade from illegal positions. Stock will also be confiscated.

It is also launching a publicity campaign, distributing information to hotels and guest houses. It will include warnings on the health risks of being photographed with wild animals and a plea to tourists not to support illegal traders.

£50,000 is being spent this year on the 'zero tolerance' approach.