Woodcarver granted licence to continue to trade in layby – because he keeps doggers away

Des works at a 'notorious dogging layby'

A traditional woodcarver has been granted a licence to stay and trade in a layby - because he presence deterred doggers. Des Petersen has operated as a street trader on the side of the A3072 in a spot historically known for strangers meeting up for sex. The 59-year-old has applied his wares there for several years and his bid for a new licence was once again met with some objections from members of the local community. But Des was allowed to return for the summer after convincing Cornwall Council his presence was good for the area. He said he had worked hard to create a "safe and family" environment there. Speaking previously, he referred to it as a "notorious dogging layby." He added: "This layby is a notorious dogging layby. It has calmed down over the years. It is a lot calmer now. "The police know about it, everybody knows about it. There is evidence there if you want to see it - used condoms that we found." Des said his presence had seen off the doggers and he had created "a safe and attractive environment" for people to stop and take their dogs out. He added: "I consider myself an environmentalist, I cut the grass, I pick up the litter. It is safe, there is no obstruction, there is no problem there." Des set up his business in 2015 under the name Woodall Products. He says he constantly works hard to improve the overall appearance of the 300 metre layby at Launcells, Cornwall, and is always picking up litter. He has to apply annually for a street trading licence and Launcells Parish Council once again objected to his presence - saying he was an "obstruction." But members of Cornwall Council’s street trading sub committee approved his application to allow him to continue to trade. Des added: "It is a safe environment for families to come and walk dogs. Whatever happened in the past is now in the past and I don't want to focus on that. "I clear up the litter and do most of the work to keep it tidy so it is good that the council have recognised that. "I have been in the area for around 20 years and have been carving for most of that time. "I have set up in the layby since 2016 and stay for the summer months to be close to my children. "I chose this layby as it was away from houses and surrounded by lovely green fields." Des previously said a lot of the local community go out of their way to support him by "tooting and waving" as they go by. In his latest application, Des produced photos showing large vehicles continuing to use the layby while he was trading. No objections were made by highways officials or the police and Cornwall Council granted his licence due to "insufficient evidence" of any obstruction to the layby or Des posing any risk to public safety. Related links:

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