reassured residents that the area is safe in his hands.

Glenn Johnson, who runs the stand at Church Bay on South Shore with partner Alex Madeiros, has said there will be nothing new or permanent on the temporary pitch he will be opening shortly.

He was granted a new permit for the upcoming season after running the successful concession last year.

It was the first time Parks Department officials had allowed any commercialisation at Church Bay and it caused anger amongst some residents, who thought it would ruin the character of the unspoilt bay.

Many complained to the department but the partners argued they were providing a service to visitors by renting snorkel gear, selling sodas and cleaning trash from the beach.

"It is a mess down there,'' said Mr. Johnson. "When we get down there we will be cleaning it up.'' But the entrepreneur already faces a problem, as the Parks Commission has banned a board advertising the concession from the roadside where it stood last year.

Mr. Johnson said he hoped they could come to a compromise, with some sort of sign to inform tourists and taxi drivers that they were open.

Next year the stand will be available to tender, with anyone being able to bid for the site for a permit period of three years.

The service is allowed to operate from Monday to Saturday only, and will commence on May 1.