General News
9 October, 2022
Vegie stall keeps trading
A FRUIT and vegetable stall that has given a Bridgewater group almost $15,000 in 18 months will be allowed to continue trading. The PTP Produce stall at the front of the town’s bowling club in Main Street had been forced to close last Wednesday. But...
A FRUIT and vegetable stall that has given a Bridgewater group almost $15,000 in 18 months will be allowed to continue trading.
The PTP Produce stall at the front of the town’s bowling club in Main Street had been forced to close last Wednesday.
But within 48 hours, a community petition had more than 300 signatures as the Swan Hill owners continued talks with Loddon Shire Council to satisfy permit requirements for the stall.
Owner Tom Mudge was pleased by Friday afternoon that the stall could continue operating as was petition organiser Adrienn Macklintosh.
On Monday, council’s director operations Steven Phillips said: “The fruit and vegetable stall at Bridgewater is subject to the provisions of the Loddon planning scheme.
“Council is responsible to ensure that land use including retail operations are located appropriately and that consideration is given to the needs and safety of the community and the environment.
“Council is working with the owners of the stall to reach compliance with the regulations,” Mr Phillips said.
Mr Mudge said his company paid a commission to the bowling club each month.
“We thought we had gone through the correct processes (for a permit) when we started 18 months ago,” he said. “We want to do the right thing.”
Mr Mudge said it had been a tough few days after first being told to cease trading. Financially, he said the reprieve was a lifesaver.
Ms Mackintosh said the stall was providing a good service for the community and travellers.
“It makes fresh produce affordable,” she said.