'They will have to break it apart': Eviction-threatened Northampton Market Square traders clamp vehicles and vow to stay open
Traders facing eviction from Northampton’s Market Square say they will continue trading despite threats of legal action – and have clamped their vehicles to prevent the council from moving them.
On Monday May 11, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) told Ciro’s Place and Fryin’ Brian food vans they must leave by today (Friday May 15) or face legal action to remove them from the site.
The traders were originally told to vacate the Market Square by 8pm on Friday April 24, after WNC terminated their trading arrangements as part of what it described as a wider “market improvement programme”.
Despite the deadline passing three weeks ago, both businesses have continued trading from the square, with Ciro’s Place paying the rent for the upcoming month.
In April, a letter from the council stated 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 council also stressed the decision was “not a disciplinary action” and was “not based on any single complaint or allegation against you personally”.
Speaking to the Chronicle & Echo on the square today, Joao of Ciro’s Place said: “I still can't understand why I have been chosen.
“I'm going to keep coming here. I'm going to keep going and see what's going to happen.
“Everything is locked up, so for them to remove it, they have to break it apart.”
On the support he has received from his customers and the community, he said: “I feel really good. It's really good to feel that they are giving me support. It's amazing.”
Adele, a food van user who headed a small peaceful protest outside One Angel Square this afternoon, said: “Well, personally I struggle from depression. So, without these two burger vans, I wouldn't come out. We all come here to mix together, we all meet here, we all stick up for one another. Without these vans, we don't know where else we're all going to go and socialise. I don't want to be stuck at home because that's when I overthink things.
“If I was to stay indoors, that's when my depression appears. When I come here, I can have a laugh and mix with other people. We all have a giggle. If these two close, a lot of people will struggle with their mental health and they'll stay indoors. They won't come out or they won't interact with other people.”
Another customer said: “I come down here probably once, twice at the most a week. Just to catch up with a few friends that I know. This is more than just a burger. It's where I meet people.
“People aren't going to want to come down here and just sit here if they can't go and get a cup of tea. If there was no vans, no drink, then it becomes a bit of an issue doesn't it?
“This is an affordable place to come and socialise.”
Castle ward councillors want to see WNC reach a peaceful agreement with the burger vans threatened with eviction.
Councillors Muna Cali, Enam Haque and Fartun Ismail say they have repeatedly asked the Reform administration to meet them to find a peaceful resolution to the row.
Independent Cllr Julie Davenport, of the Delapre and Rushmere ward, has also called for a meeting with Reform.
The Labour councillors said: “Instead of sitting down and reaching an agreement, Reform has gone down the legal route and threatened the vans with eviction at four days notice. This will destroy local businesses that have loyally supported the Market Square for many years. It will also deprive some local people of a valued service.
“We need to build up the use of the Market Square. Instead Reform are driving people away. There are no winners in this row. It does no credit to the Market Square.
“We hope that even at this late stage the Reform Administration will stop trying to strong arm these burger vans and reach a compromise.”
A dozen protesters headed from Market Square to One Angel Square, calling on the council’s leadership to come down and explain the reason behind the move. It is understood this did not happen.
Friday (May 15) was understood to be the final day the vans could remain on the Market Square before legal action could begin, but the traders say they intend to continue trading and fight the move.