of the UK's most popular beach towns has angered locals by banning popular activities for children.

Authorities in Perranporth, Cornwall, have taken the unusual step of banning popular seafront activities, such as hair braiding and wrapping, as well as temporary glitter tattoos.

has decided to prohibit the services after 25 years to ensure "a fair and competitive business environment".

However, many traders in Perranporth said they don't mind the presence of the seasonal businesses, which tend to operate on the green on the approach to the town's beach during the Easter and summer holidays.

one business owner accused Perranzabuloe Parish Council of being "pathetic", while residents are also critical of the move.

The council said it instigated its new street trading policy following an incident last summer at the Tunes in the Dunes festival when a Cornwall Council licensed street trader set up a stand on the pathway leading to the beach selling T-shirts bearing - what the parish council says - was "a very offensive slogan".

The authority said it received complaints from the public over the incident.

But when the parish council attempted to have the street trader removed, they in turn asked for the authority's street trader policy.

The trader's request revealed there was no such policy, so the parish council has now introduced the new guidelines and erected "no trading" signs near the beach.

Following concerns raised in the town, Perranzabuloe PC will hold a meeting to discuss the matter at 7pm on Monday (March 3).

Parish clerk Amanda Lash said: "Whilst the incident at Tunes in the Dunes prompted the conversation, this was not the sole reason. Sellers who promote offensive goods can be removed by the police and indeed was the case at Tunes in the Dunes."

She added that, as part of the discussions on Monday, the council will be looking at "the bye-laws, which explicitly prohibit selling, as well as the set-up of stands, booths or similar structures".

Comments have come thick and fast on a Facebook page dedicated to the parish.

One resident said: "As a local business owner I really don't feel the beachfront traders had any negative impact on our business, in fact quite the opposite.

"We often have customers mentioning how much their children look forward to getting their hair wrapped and a glitter tattoo, it always seemed very much part of the quintessential Perranporth holiday experience, and in my mind another little draw to our fabulous village."

Another wrote: "What a shame! Disappointed yet not surprised."

While someone else added: "I really liked these little services last year. Walking past seeing little children with smiles on their faces, having their hair beading and Popeye tattoos reminds me of when I was a child with my parents. Such a shame - these little services are definitely missed in my eyes."

A parent commented: "My daughter and her friends used to love having their hair wrapped every summer when they were kids. This is a very disappointing decision by PPC and I really hope you'll somehow be able to continue brightening up so many children's lives with these happy summer experiences."

The street trading policy, which is published on the council's website, states: "The purpose of this policy is to prohibit street trading and persons providing services, within the jurisdiction of Perranzabuloe Parish Council. Street trading (including persons providing services) in the street is prohibited to safeguard existing businesses in the high street, ensuring a fair and competitive business environment.

"Street trading and persons providing services is strictly prohibited within land owned by PPC. This prohibition is in place to protect existing businesses in the high street from unfair competition and to maintain the economic vibrancy of the local community. PPC reserves the right to take legal action against any individual or business found in violation of this policy."

The policy will be reviewed periodically by the council's finance and operations committee to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. Amendments may be made as necessary, with input from local businesses, residents and relevant stakeholders.