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| Melanie Onn: "My constituents are fed up." |
GRIMSBY and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn has spoken out in the 'Commons about the proliferation of "dodgy vape shops and unlicensed barbers" in the constituency.
In a challenge to business and trade minister Gareth Thomas, she declared: "My constituents are fed up with seeing high streets dominated by dodgy vape shops and unlicensed barbers.
"While some of those businesses are legitimate, a recent BBC investigative report indicates that many are involved in money laundering and organised crime.
"Obviously, the minister is aware of the situation, but is he working closely with the Home Office to try to tackle this blight?
She insisted: "We need a national strategy."
The minister responded: "This is a concern up and down the country.
"The National Crime Agency and Home Office colleagues are seeking to take action against illegitimate businesses.
"My hon. Friend will recognise that Wednesday's spending review announcement of additional police officers will help us with that activity."
In his own latest pronouncement on the subject, North East Lincolnshire Council's portfolio holder for community safety, Cllr Ron Shepherd, pinpointed Freeman Street as a location for these pop-up businesses, but he noted that activity had "migrated": to St Peter's Avenue, Cleethorpes, The Willows, Waltham and beyond.
He expressed particular concern that single-use vapes were still being sold locally despite a ban hat came into force on June 1 this year.
However, there was nothing in planning regulations to prevent vacant shops from being converted to these new uses and nor was there a licensing system for vape shops.
However, he said NELC was working closely with the police and partner agents.
"We are exploring every avenue to tackle the issue,"he insisted."Where tough measures are available, we are determined to take them."
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