Trader told to move off illegal pitch (From Barry And District News)

Trader told to move off illegal pitch

A DISABLED Barry businessman, who has put tens of thousands of pounds into a burger van, has been told he has to move from his pitch.

David Courtney-Jones sets up his fast-food trailer, Marina's Kitchen, on the lay-by just before Rhoose Airport on Port Road.

There has been a food van on the road for more than 20 years, but he has now been told he must leave.

Forty-four-year old Mr Courtney-Jones, who grew up in Dobbins Lane, is a qualified chef. But he is awaiting a heart transplant due to a condition known as cardiomyopathy, which means he cannot walk far and finds it almost impossible to pass the medical required to work in a professional kitchen.

He said: "I do not claim benefit, because I don't want to be a burden. I'm proud to be able to support myself and I am angry that my licence applications have not been accepted.

"I am the main earner at home, as my wife has recently been made redundant and is now studying at university.

"There is nowhere else for people to eat around here. I've started a petition and collected hundreds of signatures. I feed police officers, Vale council workers, Rhoose Point builders, farm-workers and airport workers.

"I have all the correct insurance and hygiene certificates and keep the lay-by spotless. I have offered to pay rent and complied with all the regulations for food preparation. I even serve healthy food and food for dieters."

Mr Courtney-Jones has asked for another place to trade, but has missed out on Ogmore and other areas that have become available. At the moment he is being fined £40 per day, because he is trading on a prohibited area.

A spokeswoman for the council's licensing department said: "Port Road is a prohibited area, which means it is not possible to gain a licence to run a food van there, and this has been the case for several years. "It would not be appropriate for us to comment any further on this particular case."