Stallholders feel 'betrayed' after being rejected for new market
| Date | 08 July 2021 |
| Published date | 08 July 2021 |
| Publication title | Chester Chronicle |
Last week, during the first round of applications, 17 existing stall holders were offered a place in Chester's new market which is under construction as part of the city's long awaited Northgate development.
However, some traders who were told their applications had been rejected have been speaking out about what they feel was a deeply flawed selection process.
Kevin Williams, 58, from Broughton, stallholder of The Cheese Wedge, has been working in the market for 44 years.
He said: "I applied but they said my application wasn't up to scratch, but didn't give me any reasons. Although they have given me a chance to resubmit my application, I feel a bit betrayed and upset, to be honest.
"At the moment the council are offering me some money to go by Christmas, but if I go I want to be paid what my business is worth.
"I've always wanted to move to the new market and eventually leave the Cheese Wedge to somebody, but now I'm not so sure.
"I've got lots of customers from the older generation who don't just come here to buy cheese, but come in for a chat. I don't think that's what they're looking for in the new building."
During the pandemic, Mr Williams offered a delivery service to the vulnerable, ensuring they could still get their essentials. People from as far away as America and Australia made contact, asking him to deliver to their elderly relatives throughout Cheshire.
Philip White, 54, also from Broughton, is stallholder of Ardens cooked meats and cheese. He also had his application turned down for the new market.
He said: "In one of the last meetings we had, we were told we would have a stall in the new place, but then everything changed and we have had to put in a very complex application, which we couldn't make head or tail of.
"How could we do a business plan when we didn't even know what size stall we were getting? We've been told nothing.
"We didn't fit the criteria because the council wanted us to trade on a Sunday. We've tried it when the market's been open and, even on the run up to Christmas, it just wasn't viable.
"It's nice for them to sit in their offices, earning their high wages, but it upsets me - the fact that this is people's livelihoods they are taking away. It's all bureaucracy.
"Between me and my mother, who passed away last year, we've had at least 40 years...
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