GEORGE NEWS - Twelve informal trading stands in York Street that belong to the George Municipality, were recently removed and constructed next to the Tourism Centre in Pacaltsdorp after an urgent plea to accommodate the informal traders in Pacaltsdorp. 

The Economic Development (ED) department has received numerous requests from the public in Pacaltsdorp for trading spaces in the area.

The stands are located next to Oom Bul's restaurant between two bus shelters, a location that would benefit the stall owners as well as the restaurant. The department has received applications from prospective stall owners and is awaiting applications from the local business chamber as well.

Acting ED manager Joan Shaw said the aim is to start filling the vacant space by middle July. "We are extremely excited about the new informal trading stands in Pacaltsdorp and trust that this new addition to the informal trading area will encourage local entrepreneurs / informal traders to apply for a stand and make this a hub for more areas in Pacaltsdorp to be included."

The positioning of the stands next to Oom Bul's restaurant and between two bus shelters will benefit all parties.

Smaller trading stands were moved to York Street to accommodate more informal traders in the CBD.

Currently, the department is re-issuing permits to current stall owners. Thus the database is updated, allowing the department to see if more spaces are available. All traders are issued with a new lease agreement and permit card that must be on the stall owner at all times when trading and when payments are made.

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