Illegal street traders in Canterbury could be a thing of the past.

MP Julian Brazier has got the Canterbury City Council Bill through its second reading stage in the House of Commons.

The bill seeks to provide the council with powers to tackle illegal street pedlars in the city centre.

In his speech Mr Brazier said the bill was supported by all political parties in Canterbury, by local people and the local media.

“Our 18 legitimate street traders who have paid for their licences face unfair competition from people from all over the country who have not paid for street trading licences but are acting as street traders and not as pedlars,” he said.

Afterwards Mr Brazier said: “I am extremely grateful for the support of my fellow MPs, from all parties, who stayed on especially to help vote through this bill.”