TRADER Luke Pettitt has accused parish councillors of failing to support businesses after being forced to remove bikes displayed near his cycle shop in Nailsworth.

Luke, 26, owner of Black8Bikes in Market Street, had been displaying bikes on Leves Corner - a piece of land opposite his store - as a way of enticing shoppers.But town councillors say the bicycles cause an obstruction and contacted Stroud District Council, which owns the land.

Last week Luke had a visit from a council official who demanded that the bikes be removed."I feel like I have the town council and the district council both fighting against me," said Luke, who set up Black8Bikes with his father, John, 18 months ago.

"The bikes bring a lot of customers into my store."Councillors say they want to help and support independent shops but then they do this.

"Having a couple of bikes outside my shop isn’t causing any trouble, it is so silly.

"They say I am breaking the law selling bikes on council land but no money is exchanged outside, it is just a way of bringing people in.

"Other traders in Market Street agree that it is ridiculous and I will be starting a petition to allow me to put them back."

Nailsworth Town Council is also clamping down on traders displaying A-boards on pavements.

Deputy mayor Jonathan Duckworth said: "The council represents everyone in the town, not just independent businesses.

"Pavements and public areas are for the public many of whom have limited mobility, use mobility scooters or have prams.

"The future prosperity of Nailsworth will not be ensured by blocking pavements and public areas."

An SDC spokesman said: "We had complaints from the town council regarding obstructions caused by businesses in the area.

"Black8Bikes was causing an obstruction by displaying and selling bikes on a plot of council land used as a thoroughfare by the public.

"Additionally, to use this land to sell their wares, they, and any other business, would require street trading consent from us.

"It is an offence for anyone to carry out such activity without the appropriate permission."