Traders upset over stall scheme

The protesters gathered in the market place

Market traders in a Derbyshire town are protesting over council plans asking them to erect their own stalls.

The Ilkeston traders said the move would cost them hundreds of pounds and hit their profits.

Erewash Borough Council had erected stands for traders at the twice weekly market, but will stop in January.

A council spokesman said it still supports the Ilkeston Market and the actions were designed to secure and safeguard its future.

Extra expense

Stall holders and their supporters held a protest at the market place in Ilkeston on Saturday.

Trader Gordon Wren, who has a clothes stall, said bringing and putting up his own stall would cost too much, adding that the £2 rebate on the stall rental would not cover the extra expense.

He also said some stall holders would have difficulties transporting and setting up the stalls.

"The council is 100% behind Ilkeston Market and consider it a vital asset to the social and economic fabric of Ilkeston and the borough as a whole," a statement from the council said.

Councillor Robert Parkinson said most local authorities had the same policy, adding the move would save the council £120,000 a year in staff costs and maintenance.

He said the move would reduce the burden on council taxpayers.