SOME of Britain’s biggest brands have come out in support of Swindon town centre’s street traders.

Last night Nationwide, Tesco, Superdrug and Debenhams, who all have branches in The Parade which are nearest to to the stalls, either denied they have had contact with the council over the matter or said they did not support the ban.

Swindon Council claims that a “majority of outlets” support its banning order – which comes into place today.

There is growing public anger at the council’s decision, which has led to 9,000 people signing a petition against the move.

In addition, a campaign has been started on social networking site Facebook to save the stallholders.

Yesterday they handed their petitions to Coun Rex Barnett, Swindon’s deputy mayor, at the Civic Offices.

Debra Selby, a flower stall employee, said people were so supportive of their plight that employees from both Zurich and First Great Western had created their own petitions in support.

“It has been incredible,” she said. “Even if we are moved in the end, the support from the community has been astonishing. Thank you to everyone.”

A Tesco spokesman said: “We are not supportive of an attempt to remove the traders.

“I think it is a council led order and, as far as I know, we have not been contacted on the matter.”

A spokeswoman from Nationwide Building Society said: “No, we do not support the ban.”

And a Debenhams spokesman said: “The decision to move traders from The Parade was reached independently from Debenhams; we have had no involvement in the matter.”

A Superdrug spokeswoman said as far as its managers and supervisors were aware there had been no contact with the council.

Gregg’s the Bakers were unavailable for comment.

However, the council’s decision does have some support.

Simon Jackson, chief executive officer of town centre management company, inSwindon, said he had sympathy for the retailers.

He said: “I’ve been aware for some time of the strong feeling among the retailers in the town centre who do pay considerable overheads to be in the prime retail sites in the town and that the street traders are competing with them on what is a far from level financial playing field.

“I do sympathise with retailers who have worked very hard to meet the cost of rent and business rates and to make their stores feel attractive and welcoming, only to find street traders are parking up and paying very little for the privilege of selling in town.”

Tony Wilkes, The Brunel Centre manager, said he didn’t think traders were appropriate in a town centre location.

He said: “People gathering around the stalls can lead to obstruction and health and safety problems.

“I think it would be more appropriate for the stalls to move to an area that can better provide for their requirements.”

No one from the council would comment on the support expressed by these companies.

No one from the council would comment on the matter, however it told the BBC: “We must reflect the needs of the majority of traders and employers whose success is vital for the future of Swindon.”