It says it took reasonable measures to warn those breaching the by-laws.

Moira Council has handed out 24 fines, at $200 each, for failing to properly display street furniture in Belmore Street, Yarrawonga’s shopping heart.

Mint Boutique proprietor Paris Bonat was fined $400 for not having permits for a clothes rack and A-frame sign.

She said she had not received renewal notices for permits and did not “have the money to fork out $400”.

Neighbouring shop owner-manager Joy Jeffery, who runs The Material Girls, said she also copped a $200 fine for not having a permit for her A-frame sign.

“It’s just crazy — we’re all struggling,” she said.

“I think a reminder notice would have been nice, it’s the way they went about it, that’s the thing.”

Yarrawonga newsagency retail manager Darren Tribe said his business had been fined $200 for having four signs, instead of two, on its footpath.

“It’s been the same every day for the past three or four years and it’s never been a problem,” Mr Tribe said.

He said an objection had been lodged with the council.

Moira Council acting development director Bill Hayward rejected criticism of the council’s communication with shop owners.

He said there was an audit in April-May and reminder letters for the renewal of signs were mailed in May and June.

Mr Hayward said he understood the fines “caused some angst with some of the business owners” but added compliance was needed to ensure the general public had safe access to footpaths.

He said the crackdown was not influenced by a 177-signature petition presented to this week’s council meeting which complained about excessive trading on the street and called for the “right to move unimpeded through the main street and have free and easy access to public seats and to and from car parks”.

“There was a feeling in the community that too much of it was going on but our actual enforcement was only following up on an audit earlier this year,” Mr Hayward said.