East Hants Lib Dems condemn controversial plans by EHDC to force out regular Market Stall Holders in Petersfield to make way for "imported" Christmas Market

3.15.00pm GMT Wed 29th Oct 2008

East Hants Liberal Democrats have spoken out on EHDC's plans to shift regular market Traders in Petersfield to make way for a Winchester style - Christmas Market

East Hants prospective Liberal Democrat MP Adam Carew said,

" I thought Petersfield Christmas market was a splendid idea but having spoken to market stall holders last weekend I am totally shocked to learn of EHDC's controversial plans to relocate them during Christmas Festivities.

Christmas is the busiest time of year for regular Petersfield market traders and yet they are being told by this Conservative run EHDC that they have to give up their usual pitches to accommodate a Christmas market brought from elsewhere - the whole thing is totally preposterous.

So much for Christmas spirit this sounds more like a case of total humbug !"

After much lobbying by traders and the local press the traders who were to be moved to Chapel Street are being brought back closer to the main square but still not to their usual pitches.

Adam Carew said,

"We are supposed to be supporting our local businesses, especially during the credit crunch. I think the ice rink is a great idea but if EHDC are going to bring in additional stalls from outside why on earth can't they be located down the adjoining streets rather than our regular traders.

I have spoken to officers at EHDC. They told me it was the decision of the portfolio holder and I should speak to him. I shall be having words with the Conservative Councillor from Headley "Cllr Millard" in due course."

Sam Payne, Petersfield County Councillor and deputy leader of EHDC Lib Dem group said,

"Our market traders have been treated shamefully - regular market stall holders are already facing the impact of increased car parking charges from EHDC - now they are being shifted to make way for traders from elsewhere at Christmas. This is just adding insult to injury. Once again Tory run EHDC is totally out of touch with local opinion.

Lib Dems are in full support of the Christmas market but EHDC should not ride roughshod over local traders to bring it here."