Defiant food van owners vow to keep trading at Northampton Market Square despite latest letter – and call for legal help

As first reported by the Chronicle & Echo last week, Ciro’s Place and Fryin’ Brian were given four days’ notice to leave by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC). They had until 8pm on Friday April 24 to leave.

Both vans continued trading on Saturday and into this week.

The owners have also been sent an email from WNC, seen by the Chron, stating the reasons behind the termination. The letter, from a council officer, states that “the council has determined that changes are required to the standards, mix and overall quality of trading operating on the square as part of an ongoing place shaping and market improvement programme.”

The letter also goes on to say “this decision is not a disciplinary action, nor is it based on any single complaint or allegation against you personally”. In relation to the concerns raised over anti-social behaviour, the letter states: “These relate to broader management considerations affecting the Square as a whole and do not constitute an allegation of misconduct against you or your business.”

Anti-social behaviour was first mentioned by the owner of Ciro’s Place when news of the eviction order broke as he believed this was a reason behind the eviction. References to anti-social behaviour in relation to the location of traders on the market and creating “a welcoming place” were contained in public statements issued by WNC.

Earlier, the Chron had asked WNC what action would be taken against the food vans as they continue to trade.

A spokesperson said: “Following the expiry of the tenancy at will at 8pm on Friday, (April 24), we are aware that both Ciro’s Place and Fryin’ Brian continue to trade on the Market Square without permission.

“The council has asked the businesses to vacate immediately and will be taking enforcement action if this does not happen, including issuing court proceedings.

“WNC staff have already offered support, provided direct contact details, and remain available to offer advice and support to aid relocation,” the spokesperson added.

Traders’ reaction to latest email and legal threats

João, owner of Ciro’s Place, said: “Well, I was kind of expecting it already. They have taken their decision and they see that it’s up to me to fight it now.

"I was disappointed. You’re kind of waiting, you know they’re never going to change their mind, but I was very disappointed. It’s my livelihood. I haven’t heard anything from them for a week, and now this.

“They’re taking away something that’s really important for me. I really enjoy working in town. I enjoy this work a lot. And I feel that taking that away from me – for nothing, over nothing – I really want to find out why they chose me to go.

“So why was I chosen to leave? Why not all the other traders? Why? How did they choose me? That’s what I want to find out. Because it’s so unfair.

“First they said it was because of other traders, then antisocial behaviour, then to offer a different variety of food and drinks. Now the letter says they’ve got nothing against me. There’s no antisocial behaviour – there never was. And now they’re saying they just want to change ‘the market quality’.

“From what I understand from social media, I’ve got loads of people backing me up. People want me here."

However, Joao is struggling to get legal support.

He said: “I’m looking for legal support. Everywhere I call, they turn me down. They just tell me to look somewhere else. I’ve made so many calls this week and I keep getting turned down. I don’t know why – maybe they’re scared of going against the council. That’s how it feels. I’m still looking if anyone can help, please contact me.”

Asked about his next plan of action, he said: “I’m going to keep coming to work every day because this is all unfair. I really want to find out why they want to move me. This is the second time they’ve tried to move me. I used to be outside H&M – they moved me from there to here. Now I’m thinking, did they move me just to get rid of me?

“I was on Commercial Street for 18 months. I put money from my own pocket into the business almost every day. I barely made money, but I never gave up.”

He added: “How am I going to pay for my house? My mortgage? This is my main income. I don’t have anything else.

“I’m upset. I’m going to keep coming, keep trying to get a solicitor, keep fighting – because this is all unfair. Why do all the other traders get to stay and I have to go?”

Asked what he would do if the council did remove his van overnight, Joao sad: “It might happen – I might come one day and everything is gone. But if I leave now, I feel like I’m telling them they’re right, and they’re not. They have no right to choose me and not someone else.

“What used to be enjoyable is now very stressful. I love working in the market. I take pleasure in it. But now it’s very stressful.”

He added: “I’m one of the busiest ones in the market. If they get rid of me, they’re going to get rid of half of the customers that come to the market. So I don’t understand that.

“I put a lot of hours into this market. I come just before 10am and I leave around 7pm. Six days a week. So why? They don’t want this market busy? They don’t want customers in this market? Because I bring customers to town. I bring customers to this market.

“It feels like they want a different type of customer. But once again, I don’t know. I cannot change something that I don’t know. The market’s for the people – it’s for everyone. It’s not just for one type of person.

“But I don’t know the reason. They keep changing it so many times that I’m confused myself. So I don’t know.

“One thing I know for sure – it’s been all over the news, all over the paper and the TV. At the moment, I feel like a criminal, and I haven’t done anything wrong.”

Paul, owner of Fryin’ Brian, said: “I’m not feeling good. I don’t understand why they have chosen me.

“I’m not leaving. I don’t know why. I’m going to keep coming and opening. I’m quite a bit scared. I don’t know.”