SEAFRONT traders who were forced to shut down during Weston's major summer events such as T4 On The Beach have had their bid for compensation

SEAFRONT traders who were forced to shut down during Weston's major summer events such as T4 On The Beach have had their bid for compensation chucked out.Kevin Mager, owner of many of Weston's donkeys, and Bob Bullock, owner of the Miniature Railway, were not allowed to operate as normal during the massive music party.The businessmen asked North Somerset Council for thousands of pounds of compensation due to the loss of earnings, but council chiefs have refused their request, saying they were perfectly within their rights to shut them down.The businesses lease their sites from the authority but written in their contract is a clause which states the council can stop them operating during a 'major special event'. The council argues that the traders were offered alternative options and the T4 event ploughs millions of pounds into the local economy.Mr Bullock asked for £1,000 compensation for losses from not operating the Miniature Railway and £2,000 for the closure of the Royal Sands Putting Green.Mr Mager did not specify how much compensation he would need, but suggested it should be based on a similar period in a previous year.When the Weston Mercury contacted Mr Bullock and Mr Mager they said they had not even been told their bid for compensation was unsuccessful and wished not to comment until they had spoken with council bosses.Mr Mager was told not to provide donkey rides in the Royal Sands area during T4 On The Beach event on July 22. He was also told not to provide rides opposite Clifton Road from July 18-24. He was also not allowed to operate his beach swingboats and bouncy castle from July 17-24. Donkey rides are also restricted during the Helidays event on the Beach Lawns.Mr Bullock was told he could not operate the Beach Lawn loop of his Miniature Railway from July 20-23.Don Trapnell, who operates the popular Land Train, was told not to drive the train from July 18-24, but has not applied for compensation.North Somerset offered the tenants the chance to run a mobile catering kiosk on the seafront free of charge during the closure, and also said the donkeys could operate elsewhere on the beach. All three concessionaires also took up the offer of manning a mobile kiosk outside the entrance to T4 On The Beach. A spokesman said: "Suitable alternative business opportunities have been offered and accepted that, with the increased number of visitors attracted by these events, should more than compensate for the loss of revenue from the main concessions.