UNFAIR TO TRADERS

Eagle Centre traders are up in arms after finding out a three-day market is to be held in Derby only days before Christmas. And members of the Eagle Centre Market branch of the National Market Traders Federation claim they had assurances from Derby City Council’s leader that no such event would take place. Members of federation met with representatives of the council last week to raise their concerns about an outdoor market which was held in the Market Place last month. Traders said the market had been set up to offer specialist goods but they found 28 stalls at the one-day event selling goods in direct competition to their own stalls.

Council representatives at the meeting included leader Robert Jones, director of corporate services Michael Foote, assistant director Steve Meynell and city centre manager Bob Flack. Traders’ representatives claim that when they asked whether or not another market would be held before Christmas, they were assured by Councillor Jones and Mr Foote that a market would not be held. But the day after the meeting, they discovered a three-day continental market had been organised by the Derby City Centre Management Team, headed by Mr Flack, in the Market Place for December 15-17.

Pete Ramsden, chairman of the Eagle Centre Market branch of the NMTF, said, “It’s all a bit hard to swallow that something like this has happened. I represent around 130 traders and this next couple of weeks is their busiest of the year. The money they take helps carry them through the bad months of January and February. Competition is fierce enough at the moment and for many traders it is make or break.” Mr Ramsden said that the council had apologised and traders had been offered the chance to apply for pitches on the continental market.

He added, “We have no problem with specialised markets once in a while in the Market Place but we would be very disappointed if they sold products similar to those on offer at the Eagle Centre Market.” Stall-holders at the market, who pay up to £2,000 in rent a month to the council, were sent a letter from their federation branch yesterday. It read: “Your committee are absolutely disgusted that officers of the council should even consider such a market and we will protest further .”

Sheila Dickens, who runs S&S Workwear, said, “I think it’s disgusting. Obviously people will flock to something different like this and this is the busiest time of the year for the market. It will kill trade in here.” Andrea Rawling, who runs the Bag Stall, said, “We had a drop in trade when the last market was held. We work all year for Christmas and this comes along.”

Mr Jones said, “If there is any misunderstanding about markets then we will attempt to address that and hopefully sort it out. We have said we will ensure any future theme markets are complementary to the Eagle Centre traders and not in competition with them. The important thing is that we will be able to discuss future plans with them.” Mr Flack refused to comment on the situation and Mr Foote was unavailable for comment.

Captain Tony Spacey, who sells honey and hive products at Derby's continental market, was told by a trading standards officer he cannot sell candles unless he tells customers there is a risk they could start fires. Captain Spacey said despite passing an inspection the previous day, a trading standards officer said his candles did not meet regulations. He said, "I was absolutely dumfounded when I was told that I couldn't sell candles because they don't carry warnings that they could cause fire if used negligently. I thought that the whole intention of lighting a candle was to have a fire on the top."

He is demanding an apology from the council and insisted he would continue to trade even if he was going to be taken to court. The city council said some people had to be reminded how to use candles. A statement from the council said, "These candles were sold without holders and therefore placed onto and burn down to an inflammable surface such as a table or television. Candles used in this way have sadly caused house fires and deaths and are therefore required to have labels explaining to consumers how to use them safely."