WNC backtracks on statement citing 'feedback from other traders' as the reason for kicking two food trucks off of Northampton Market Square

Two long-standing food trucks on Northampton’s Market Square – Ciro’s Place and Fryin’ Brian – have been given four days’ notice to leave the site by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).

On Monday, the businesses were both handed letters by an WNC employee 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 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”.

However, the council has since amended that original statement to add that as well as “feedback from traders” it is in fact based on a “review of the balance of the traders on the square” and an attempt to “see how this might also help us reduce instances of anti-social behaviour”.

In an updated statement, a WNC spokesman said: “The decision is primarily based on a review of the balance of traders on the Market Square as we want to improve the range and offer to create a more welcoming space. As part of this work we are also looking at where traders are located within the square to see how this might also help us reduce instances of anti-social behaviour.

“The decision followed engagement with traders and careful consideration of feedback received. The notice period given was in line with the contract and support has been offered to those traders affected, including advice and signposting to business support.”

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

A petition has been launched to save the two vans and a protest is reportedly set to take place on Friday at 10am.