Here’s what West Northamptonshire Council’s new statement on eviction orders to Market Square food vans says IN FULL

Following a revised statement issued to the Chronicle & Echo yesterday afternoon, WNC has now released a further press release to give, it says, “greater clarity on the decision to end the occupancy of two food traders in Market Square”.

Two long-standing food trucks on Northampton’s Market Square – Ciro’s Place and Fryin’ Brian – were both handed letters by an WNC employee on Monday saying they had until 8pm on Friday (April 24) to leave the Market Square for good. Both trucks have been trading on the site for decades.

The owners have been left “devastated” and “shocked” and there has been widespread condemnation of the decision by some other traders on the market, members of the public and councillors.

In the new statement, WNC says it “took the decision as it moves forward with plans to address instances of anti-social behaviour within the square and as part of an overall review of the offer of stalls as it looks to make improvements”. The full statement is below.

The Chronicle & Echo has received multiple questions and concerns from both the traders affected and members of the public which we put to WNC.

Questions included:

- What was the reason for removing these two specific traders?

- Why were they not given any warning? Why were they not given an opportunity to address any issues before being told to leave?

- If it is linked to anti-social behaviour, what was been done to help the traders deal with it?

- What has been done to address anti-social behaviour issues in Market Square?

- What practical support is being offered?

- Why was only four days’ notice given?

- Was the length of time both vans have been trading on the market taken into account?

In response to this, and other questions, the council has issued a press release.

A spokesperson for WNC said: “West Northamptonshire Council has moved to give residents greater clarity on the decision to end the occupancy of two food traders in Northampton’s Market Square.

“The council took the decision as it moves forward with plans to address instances of anti-social behaviour within the square and as part of an overall review of the offer of stalls as it looks to make improvements.

“The notice period given to the traders was in line with the contract and support has been offered to those affected, including advice and signposting to business support.

“WNC is working hard to bring new energy to the market as part of its ongoing commitment to creating a safer, more welcoming and successful town centre for residents, visitors and businesses.

“Plans to grow and strengthen the market are already underway, with a clear focus on improving both the quality of the offer to create a balanced and attractive mix of stalls. A campaign is in progress to attract new, quality traders and the council has received encouraging early interest.

“To further support traders day‑to‑day, a new Market Square team is being recruited to strengthen on‑the‑ground support, ensure a consistent presence and provide a clearer point of contact. Promotion will also be strengthened, including new campaigns, an improved web presence and digital activity co‑produced with traders.

“Alongside this, work is progressing on a refreshed events programme for 2026/27, bringing new and unique family‑friendly attractions to the area, with further announcements planned for the summer and Christmas periods in the coming weeks.

“Proposals are also being developed in response to trader feedback to relocate stalls to a new, more permanent location at the lower end of the Square, reducing disruption during events.

“WNC will also soon be consulting with residents and visitors to understand what they would most like to see on the Market Square, ensuring future decisions reflect local demand while encouraging increased footfall,” the spokesperson said.

Councillor James Petter, cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure at West Northamptonshire Council, stated: “A busier, more active Market Square is central to our wider approach to encouraging positive use of public spaces and reducing antisocial behaviour in the town centre.

“A successful market is about more than trading alone – it’s about creating a place where people feel safe and welcome and the feedback I have directly received is people don’t think this is the case.

“By growing the market, attracting a more diverse range of good quality traders and hosting more events, we are helping to boost footfall, support traders and promote positive, family‑friendly activity on the Square.”