Fylde Council is looking at softening rules on street trading, claiming it will help when putting on large tourism-boosting events.

But businesses in Lytham and St Annes are furious, claiming incomers will be able to cut into their profits on some of the biggest days of the year.

Some have even warned that vicious and violent turf wars could break out between street traders, who they believe would end up fighting over the best patches.

With a public consultation taking place, a group of local businesses booked the Clifton Arms Hotel for a meeting to make members of the public and other shop owners aware of the proposal.

John Moxham, from St Annes Chamber of Trade, said: "This word consultation is just a tick box for the council."

Robert Silverwood, from Lytham Enterprise Group added: "It would be absolutely foolhardy and it would damage businesses."

Mr Moxham added almost every person at the meeting, some of whom had not heard about the proposal before, had wanted the scheme to be scrapped.

Alison Jack (inset), from Defend Lytham, who also attended the meeting, added: "There is a widespread concern this deregulation could result in people coming into the area, not contributing to the local economy, and taking money from our local businesses."

She added it was vital street trading should not be allowed on "the jewel in Fylde's crown", Lytham Green.

Fylde Council leader Coun John Coombes said: "All the views expressed at the meeting and via the consultation will be taken on board."