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Blades: Hot dog row at Bramall Lane
A COUNCILLOR has slammed Sheffield United bosses for failing to attend a licensing board hearing after the club tried to stop a hot dog seller trading outside Bramall Lane on matchdays.
Steve Hicks, the club's estates manager and safety officer, said he was told he didn't have to attend the Town Hall meeting.
Sheffield Council said his officer had confirmed receipt of the invitation.
The row blew up after Mr Hicks objected to the renewal of Roger and Linda Stone's permit to sell food on the corner of John Street and Shoreham Street.
But the club failed to send a representative to the Town Hall meeting and Mr and Mrs Stone were granted a licence to continue trading.
Board chairman Coun Clive Skelton said: "I felt it was totally disrespectful to the licensing committee and totally disrespectful to Mr Stone not to be there.
"If you are going to put in an objection you should be prepared to attend. How can we possibly cross examine the case for refusal if you are not there?
"Apart from anything else it is common courtesy."
Mr Hicks said: "We are puzzled by the comments made.
"Whilst I was on annual leave a letter was sent for my attention, inviting me to attend this meeting.
"A colleague responded and offered to attend on my behalf.
"He was advised sufficient documentary evidence had been submitted and attendance would not be required."
A council spokeswoman said: "We did send an invitation and someone called to say they would try and attend."
The hearing was scheduled after Mr Hicks wrote to oppose renewal of a trading permit for 'Stoneys van'.
He said residents had complained about smells and litter generated by the traders - but none had attended the meeting.
Mr Stone, who has been selling hot dogs outside Bramall Lane for 35 years, said: "We are very happy the council has allowed us to continue trading on matchdays.
"We have been doing this a long time and we do it right. If there was a problem the council wouldn't let us continue."
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
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