A MODEL boat maker has claimed a victory over "bureaucratic red tape" that could have stopped him showing his creations to the public.
John Wicks, 74, has thanked the West Briton and its readers after we revealed he faced being kicked off Lemon Quay.
Mr Wicks has spent years making the model boats he displays at Lemon Quay, spending about £20 on a taxi from his home at Threemilestone.
One is of the paddle steamer Compton Castle, which now lies beside the quay, and Mr Wicks has produced a leaflet on the vessel's history which he sells for £1 to cover the cost of production.
However, a PCSO, who saw him selling one, threatened to report him for unlicensed street trading in an area classified as a highway.
Mr Wicks branded the action "bureaucratic red tape", saying he had been given permission by Truro City Council, which manages the space, but was told he would have to buy a licence, costing up to £10 a day, to continue showing his boats and offering the pamphlets.
Our story prompted a huge public outcry; in only three days 400 people signed a petition demanding the former merchant seaman be allowed to stay free of charge, and butcher John Roach, the landlord of the Pannier Market, offered Mr Wicks a space in privately owned Tinners Walk.
On Monday, however, Mr Wicks received the news that Cornwall Council's licensing team had found "a way through" the red tape.
Geoff Brown, Cabinet member for homes and communities, said the PCSO was right and Mr Wicks did need a street trader's licence, but there was an "alternative solution".
"Because he only exhibits for a couple of days a week, not making a profit and doing it just as goodwill, he can apply for a street collection permit," said Mr Brown.
The permit, normally granted to charities, is free, and any profit Mr Wicks makes after taxi fares and pamphlet printing costs he can donate to the charity of his choice.
"It's a win all round, because I'm sure everybody who sees the boats likes to see them and he gets a huge amount of enjoyment in showing them," Mr Brown said.
Mr Wicks said he cried tears of joy when he was told the news. "I'd like thank the West Briton, its readers and everyone who's supported me for everything they've done," he said. "I really do appreciate the help that I've had.
"People were saying, 'I've read that in the paper; I'll sign your petition'.
"The public have backed me 100 per cent."
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Mr Wicks has also been invited to show his models at Newquay Lifeboat Day, organised by Mr Brown's wife, on August 24, and offered transport to get to the event.
Truro City Council confirmed his display stand did not impinge on the highway.
