The St Catherine Parish Council made it clear yesterday that no vending would be tolerated on the streets of Old Harbour, St Catherine, when they removed a number of illegal vendors.

From as early as 5 a.m., members of the Island Special Constabulary Force, along with the municipal police swooped down on the rural town and they set about removing stalls, boxes, pans and everything in their path.

Ferdinand Page, secretary manager of the council, told THE STAR that vending would not be tolerated in no-vending areas.

"The sellers will have to use the market, that is why we have a market in the community. This is to allow persons to do their businesses in a lively and civilised atmosphere,'' Page said.

Persons who turned up to use the sidewalk to sell their wares were surprised that alternative arrangements would have to be made.

"This is wickedness man, as Christmas a come, and for years mi a sell pon di sidewalk, plus the market cannot hold everybody," said a disgruntled woman.

Others had different views, and hoped that the orderliness, which resulted in smooth-flowing traffic and clean sidewalks would be maintained.

Persons who were removed from the streets although not pleased, were seen trying to resettle in the market, which is situated along East Street.

The Old Harbour Market is one of three still operated by the St Catherine Parish Council the others are Linstead and Spanish Town.

- Rasbert Turner