Council gives two food trucks four days notice to leave Northampton Market Square after 'feedback', owners say they are 'shocked' and ‘devastated’

The council says the move has been made as part of its drive to make Market Square “welcoming, vibrant and appealing to residents and visitors” and “maintaining a balanced and diverse food and drink offer”. The council said the decision had been made as a result of “feedback from traders”.

But the move has left the business owners "shocked and devastated” by the news saying the decision is going to “destroy their lives”.

Ciro’s Place and Fryin Brian food vans, which trade side-by-side in the corner close to H&M and the Grosver Centre were both issued the notices by the council on Monday (April 20).

The letter gives the traders just four days’ notice to vacate the site and does not state why they have been asked to move.

The letter states: "I am writing to inform you that the council has decided to take back possession of your trading pitch.

“Under the terms of the tenancy, the council is exercising its right take back possession of your trading pitch, and in so doing your Tenancy at Will ends on Friday.”

In response to the Chronicle & Echo’s request for comment about the reason for the notices being issued, a spokesperson for West Northamptonshire Council said: "The council is continually investing in Northampton Market Square and the wider town centre to ensure they remain welcoming, vibrant and appealing to residents and visitors. This includes attracting new businesses and international attractions, such as Planetarium Go!, which will be visiting Market Square this year, alongside maintaining a balanced and diverse food and drink offer. This also includes working in partnership with like-minded businesses that share our ambition to create a safe, welcoming and friendly environment in the town centre.

“This decision follows engagement with traders and careful consideration of feedback received. Support is being offered to those who may be relocating, including advice and signposting to business support. The council remains committed to working constructively with all traders to maintain a successful and thriving Market Square."

Ciro’s Place owner, Jovanka Kolar, who has been part of the market since 1997, says she felt “kicked” by the decision and questioned the reasoning behind it.

Speaking to Chronicle & Echo, the pensioner said: “I’m feeling humiliated, let down, angry, sad. “They phoned me and I started to cry. I got so emotional. I was so proud to be on Market Square, part of Market Square life for so many years.

“And the way we were treated – without any word, any warning in advance. Who can move in four days?

“They don’t think. The young man who is my business partner – what is he supposed to do now, go on job-seeker’s allowance? I don’t think so.”

Jovanka says she believes it is because of reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.

She said: “Anti-social behaviour – it’s not us. It’s not our business to sort out antisocial behaviour. It’s a social issue, much, much bigger than we are. It’s the Government’s issue.

“I don’t want to think they see my customers as part of anti-social behaviour. I value my customers. They simply don’t like us being here. All of a sudden.

“I’m sorry I don’t have upper middle-class clients. I think we are seen as second class. It’s disgusting.

“I think they’re trying to clean up the market. I’m just so sad, so unhappy, so disappointed. I have no words.”

She added: “They say, ‘We are here to help and advise,’ but I feel kicked – kicked in the stomach.”

“We survived corona. We survived everything. And now this. We came back thinking it was a new start.”

Asked about her next move, Jovanka said: “I have contacted the National Market Traders Federation. We are with them, insured, and they’re going to give me legal advice tomorrow.”

Joao, who runs the day to day operation at Ciro’s Place food truck, said the decision came “out of nowhere” and without warning.

He said: “The council man came here [on Monday], handed me a letter, and ran away. I didn’t even get a chance to speak to him. That was the treatment I got.

“I’m shocked. I didn’t sleep last night. One day you’re in business, the next day they tell you to get rid of it – in four days.

“What upsets me the most is that I’m not doing anything wrong. I’m just trading – selling burgers and drinks.

“I spoke to the antisocial behaviour patrol [from WNC] and she told me nothing has been reported. She wasn’t aware of anything either. So it caught me completely by surprise. A massive surprise.

“I don’t know if this is really about antisocial behaviour. Maybe it’s just about getting us off the market. To get someone else in, or to make other businesses stronger – I don’t know.

“I’m not doing anything wrong in the van. Nothing bad happens here. In front of the van, yes, people drink around the market – but that’s not my fault. That happens everywhere around the market, everywhere in town. If I was asked to improve anything, I would deal with it. But I was never asked. Would they close the Grosvenor Centre down because of shoplifting?”

Asked what for his plan of action, Joao said: “We’re going to fight it. This is unfair.

“I’m paying my taxes. I’m paying my rent. I’m doing my responsibilities. Why am I the one who has to move? If everyone had to move, I’d understand – but why just me?

“I don’t have any plans to move this Friday. I’m going to come and work on Saturday. I’ve been working in this market for 11 years. I was on Commercial Street for two years. I never gave up. I didn’t make money there – I lost money. And now I’m being asked to move.”

“Customers are saying it’s unfair. Everyone is upset.”

The owner of the other food truck in question, Fryin Brian’s, added: “It’s going to destroy my life. I didn’t do anything wrong. My customers come to eat and leave, same as Joao’s. Nothing is wrong here.”

Both traders were forced off of the market back in 2023 when WNC began its £13.5 million refurbishment of the site. They both struggled before moving back on to the new Market Square in September 2024.

Other traders on the market told this newspaper they wanted to speak but were too scared to do so, citing a clause in their contracts which prevents them from bringing the market into disrepute.