CHRON POLL: Opposition leader proposes Northampton market stalls should move to shopping street

Northampton Borough Council is currently looking into ways to improve the market by creating another aisle and deep cleaning the square... but the opposition leader has proposed going a step further
Fruit and vegetable seller, 'Fitzy'Fruit and vegetable seller, 'Fitzy'
Fruit and vegetable seller, 'Fitzy'

At Monday night's full council meeting leader of the Labour group, Councillor Danielle Stone (Lab, Castle) said the market might be better served if the stalls moved to the town's main shopping street, Abington Street.

She said: "We have a fabulous market square, it could be transformed into a European style market square where families can sit in the evening."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She also mentioned how the previous German market thrived on Abington Street and believed it would be likely traders would get more business if they move.

But trader, Eamon Fitzpatrick who has owned a fruit and vegetable stall on the market square for 53 years said the market "wouldn't last two minutes" if it moved.

He said: "Heaven help us if they [Northampton Borough Council] move it, it wouldn't last two minutes on Abington Street.

"We have the best market square in the world, but it's not used properly, it has to be used for other things.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We need some help from the council to do something about it. It has cost me a lot of money sticking up for this market."

The opposition leader of the council has proposed that Northampton market stalls should move to Abington StreetThe opposition leader of the council has proposed that Northampton market stalls should move to Abington Street
The opposition leader of the council has proposed that Northampton market stalls should move to Abington Street

A report by deputy leader of the council, Councillor Phil Larratt, (Con, East Hunsbury) said: "We are looking to reconfigure the market and create a second open aisle with a view to making the market appear less empty while creating attractive trading stalls.

"We are looking to improve the gateways to the market to make it more attractive and welcoming.

"The cleansing of the market has been an ongoing issue for traders. Staff now have the equipment to deep clean the surface and are having significant success in getting rid of ingrained material."

Do you think the market would work in Abington Street? Take part in our quick poll, above.