Boscombe traders can take advantage of reduced rates on the seafront during the Bournemouth Air Festival.

Boscombe Community Interest Company has negotiated a 50 per cent cut for a 70-metre space next to Boscombe Pier.

The area will be reserved for traders from Boscombe. The area has the ‘Silver’ price band. Stalls cannot sell meals. Council revenue from the stalls in the area will also be ring-fenced to provide evening entertainment in Boscombe.

Cllr Chris Wakefield, who gave the news at the May meeting of the Boscombe Business Forum, said: “The shopping centre is usually very quiet during the festival so this is a good opportunity to make the most of the day.”

However, Angus Reid, former head of the Boscombe Traders Association, cautioned: “We had this deal in a previous year but not one trader in 10 made a profit.

“Boscombe should be £50 per stall because all the footfall is at the Bournemouth end.”