A LOCAL charity was banned from fundraising in St Albans city centre, following complaints from a market stall holder.

St Albans Round Table's Christmas float, which has entertained shoppers for more than 15 years, was banished from Market Place by St Albans District Council.

However, the council backed down following pressure from St Albans Mayor John Peters and several councillors on Friday, December 14, and the float returned to the city centre on Saturday, December 15.

The group, which raises more than £750 per day for local charities through its festive float, had been told to move to the Clock Tower in French Row.

But Round Table organiser Keith Bigsby said: "That area of town is not as busy and we would have major issues from the two public houses that are located there."

He added: "We all feel that it is a total disgrace that this situation was allowed to happen and that the few can put pressure on our local council to put profit before the community spirit at this time of the year."

The group has agreed to lower the volume of music played on the float, at the request of the St Albans branch of the Market Traders' Association (MTA).

The federation also opposed the prime position of the float, in front of Marks and Spencers in St Peter's Street, which forces one trader to move his stall.

In a letter to Round Table, the council said: "This stall holder feels that he is missing out on custom during a critical time of year, as customers do not know where to find the stall's new location."

Chairman of St Albans' MTA Ken Morcom added: "I complained because the noise was abominable.

"We had to yell at people who wanted to buy things from the stalls and the customers were complaining too.

"You could hear the music from one end of the market to the other.

"They say they are collecting for charity but that does not give them the right to make a nuisance.

"Last Saturday they came and behaved themselves they are quite welcome to come but not if they upset people."

A council spokesman said that the council was "pleased and happy" the situation had been resolved.

She added: "Following assurances from the Round Table regarding noise levels and allowing access for refuse vehicles, the council was pleased to agree to the organisation using their traditional pitch.

"We value the charity's presence in the city during the festive period but we also need to make sure the market runs smoothly for everyone's benefit."

December 19, 2001 14:00