PICTURES: Dozens of 'outraged' protestors meet at Northampton Market Square in support of food trucks evicted by WNC

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

On Monday April 20, 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 “a more welcoming space” by “improving” the range and offer” as well as looking at where traders were located to reduce anti-social behaviour. The council said the decisions had been made after “careful consideration”.

A petition has been launched to save the two vans. A protest took place at the square on Friday at 10am.

Speaking to the Chronicle & Echo at the protest, Ciro’s Place owner Jovanka Kolar said: “I read some comments on the Chronicle & Echo article and people are so outraged and angry.

“The way that we have been treated, like the last dirt, like the last human dirt. Like scum.

“The support we have had is great. They are doing their best. That’s actually support from people who are our customers. They are just ordinary, normal people. But somehow we don’t fit anymore in this nicely polished market.

“They openly and frankly want to get rid of us. We are not fitting into their polished market.

“I think this is a bigger game than we are. We are just collateral damage.

“We have been here since 1997, when the market was full of life. Now it’s empty.”

Asked if they had been in contact with WNC this week, she said: “No, nothing. The girl I contacted from the National Market Traders Federation wrote a letter and they didn’t reply either. Let’s hope they change their mind, but I don’t have hopes. All my hope is gone.”

Joao, who runs day-to-day operations at Ciro’s Place and continued trading during the 22-month, £13.5 million Market Square renovation, said: “It feels like the community is giving a little bit of support, which is good. Let’s hope that changes something in the council.”

He added: “I don’t really understand what’s happening, to be honest with you. I don’t know of any antisocial behaviour, I don’t know of any reports.

“If that was the case, I think they should have got in touch with me so I could make it better.

“I was not aware of anything like that at all. I don’t mind helping if there is an issue. I don’t mind trying to make it better.”

Opposition councillors also attended the protest, including Labour’s Enam Haque and independent councillor Julie Davenport.

Castle ward Labour councillor Enam Haque criticised the “high-handed” eviction, describing the short notice as a “cruel blow”.

He said: “Anti-social behaviour in the town centre is, unfortunately, a problem. It should be dealt with by tackling the perpetrators, not closing down the businesses.”

Independent councillor Julie Davenport said: “I believe the way this situation has been handled has caused reputational damage to the council. Matters such as this should be treated with the seriousness they deserve. The current approach sends the wrong message to local businesses and is unlikely to encourage others to invest in or become part of our town centre.

“Why can’t the council and the police deal with antisocial behaviour? Will we see other businesses forced to leave the town centre because there happens to be antisocial behaviour nearby? When did businesses become responsible for other people’s behaviour?”

WNC issued a full statement yesterday, Thursday, explaining their reasons for evicting the food vans.

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.