Food vans defying eviction order at Northampton Market Square told to leave immediately or face potential court action

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.

Council officer email to owners

The email to the owner of Ciro’s Place from the council officer is published in full below:

“I recognise that the requirement to vacate Market Square within a short period is distressing and has implications for you as a trader. However, I must be clear about the Council’s position and the basis on which this action has been taken.

“Tenancy at Will

“Your occupation of the pitch has been under a Tenancy at Will, which is by definition a short-term, non-exclusive arrangement that may be terminated by the Council on notice. The council is entitled to rely on this arrangement irrespective of the length of time you have operated from this particular location.

“A copy of the Tenancy at Will documentation relied upon by the Council has already been provided. The agreement does not confer security of tenure or an expectation of ongoing occupation, and termination does not require the Council to establish fault or breach. Any minor discrepancies in address do not invalidate the nature or effect of the agreement.

“Reasons for termination

“The decision to bring your Tenancy at Will to an end forms part of the Council’s wider management of Market Square as its principal civic space and markets offer. Following a review of trading arrangements, 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.

“This decision is not a disciplinary action, nor is it based on any single complaint or allegation against you personally. It has been taken under officer delegated authority, in line with Council policy and established practice.

“You reference comments in the media relating to feedback and anti-social behaviour. 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.

“Process and proportionality

“The notice given to vacate the pitch complies with the terms of the Tenancy at Will. While the Council acknowledges the impact that this decision may have, it is entitled to recover possession of its land in accordance with those terms. The Council is not ending your business; it is bringing the occupation of this particular pitch to an end.

“Details of business support and signposting were included in the notice issued on 20 April 2026 and remain available to you.

“Request for suspension or extension

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Council does not agree to suspend or reconsider the termination decision, nor to extend the period of occupation at Market Square. The Tenancy at Will has ended, and continued trading on the site is unauthorised.

“Next steps

“Further to our earlier correspondence, your Tenancy at Will ended at 8.00 pm on Friday, 24 April 2026. The Council is aware that trading activity has continued beyond that date. You are therefore required to vacate Market Square with immediate effect.

“If occupation continues, the Council will take further steps to recover possession of the land, which may include legal proceedings.”

Public statements from West Northamptonshire Council

WNC has issued three statements regarding the eviction notice to traders .

The first statement was issued to the Chronicle & Echo on Tuesday last week in response to a question regarding why the eviction notices had been issued: "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." A further statement was issued, with the council seeking to clarify its original statement: “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.”

And then later last week, WNC issued a third, more lengthy response:

“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.”