Don't want boat trader

A BOAT trader by Ely's Riverside is being hounded by local residents saying that he is breaking trading laws and want him stopped.

Lee Eastwood works in willow, making things, such as animals and sculptures, that he sells from his boat that is moored at Ely Riverside, and has a thriving business.

Complaining

But the locals are complaining that he is selling his wares on the land by the towpath in addition from his boat and that he does not have a licence to do so.

This prompted the council to investigate, but its officers found no evidence of him trading from the land, only from his boat, which he is entitled to do.

Making life difficult

Lee told the local newspaper:

"People are constantly stopping to introduce themselves to me, talk to me and enquire about the sculptures. But there are a few people who seem to be going out of their way to make life difficult for me.

"I've been reported to the council for trading on land, which I've never done. I know what the rules are and I know I'm only allowed to trade from my boat so that's what I do.

He can create about 50 animals from willow and finds that passing people are very interested in what he does and just cannot understand people who see what he is doing as a negative thing.