A CRACKDOWN has been launched on bogus charities cashing in on summer fetes on Teignmouth Den and Dawlish Lawn.

Councillors are fed up with traders masquerading as charities who set up stalls at popular events held to raise funds for local organisations and charities.

They admit it is sometimes difficult to spot the cheats, but say that last year there were two blatant examples on the Den – an out-of-town estate agent, and a trader selling brand new goods.

Teignmouth councillor Sylvia Russell, during a town council finance and general purposes committee debate, feared that in the current economic downturn, there would be even more traders trying to muscle in under the charity banner.

This was unfair competition for local retailers.

Dawlish Town Council was also concerned about the same problem, and Cllr Russell said it was up to the organisation booking the Den and Lawn to ensure that all stall holders were bona fide charities, or local organisations.

She conceded it was a tricky matter to police, because sometimes a stallholder made a contribution to the main charity, and their presence could help to draw in the crowds. Attractions such as bouncy castles would not be affected.

'Commercial stalls are not what the Den is about,' said Cllr Russell. 'It is up to all of us to keep a close watch on who is there. We know who the genuine charities are, but if we have any doubts, we should report it to the seafront manager who has the authority to do something about it.'

The committee was discussing changes to the terms and conditions for the use of the Den and Lawn proposed by Teignbridge Council, including an administration fee of £25, and only allowing two cars to be parked.

Cllr James McMurray believed the changes would not address the main issues of concern, and wanted stiffer policing of 'semi-commercial' stalls trying to make 'a quick buck'.

Town clerk Dave Tickell suggested the time may have come for the town council to take over the bookings system.

Describing posing as a charity as 'devious', Cllr Terry Falcao believed it was up to the main organisation hiring the Den to ensure all the stalls were for genuine charities, on pain of not being allowed back the following year.

'It is a very difficult one, and common sense is needed over this. It is easier said than done to spot commercial stands,' cautioned Cllr David Cox.

But Cllr Russell added: 'It is easy to spot commercial traders because they are selling brand new stock and toys. We know who the genuine ones are, and don't want to stop charities money raising. But sometimes I think we are being taken for a ride.'

It was agreed to work closely with Teignbridge staff to try to stamp out commercial stalls.