A joint ‘save our markets’ petition will be raised by traders in Knaresborough and Ripon, who say above inflation rent increases will make them financially unviable in both centres.
The joint action by Knaresborough and Ripon traders comes after Harrogate Borough Council confirmed the cost per stall is to increase by more than 25 percent.
David Tomlinson, who sells stationery and is a spokesman for Knaresborough stallholders, told The Stray Ferret:
“The last time Knaresborough Market was under threat, we raised a petition of more than 3,000 names and there was a meeting at Knaresborough House in December 2017 that attracted so many people who were against the council’s plans, that they backed down.”
A stall at Knaresborough Market
The 2017 plans involved the ending of council-supplied stalls and meant all traders would have to provide their own. It was a proposal that the majority of traders found unacceptable.
Mr Tomlinson, said:
“I hope the council will see sense and realise that putting rents up is not the answer, it will make many stallholders financially unviable and force their withdrawal from the markets here and in Ripon, making both less attractive to the shoppers we are desperately trying to win back.”
He added:
“Even though social distancing rules have been relaxed, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over and some regular customers – particularly the elderly – are staying away as they remain self-isolated. Others do not want to travel to Knaresborough on public transport and the coaches that used to bring in trips on market day are not running at present.”
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Among traders who will be asking the public to support a petition is Sonya Johnson, who sells women’s handbags and accessories at both Ripon and Knaresborough markets.
She, said:
“I wasn’t able to trade for 11 weeks and since I came back my takings have been down by 70 per cent. I did a little better in Knaresborough yesterday, but if I make a loss in Ripon today, I am seriously considering not coming here again.”
A spokesperson for Harrogate Borough Council, said
“The costs for market stallholders, that were agreed in February and put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be introduced from August 1st now that markets are able to trade normally.
“Depending on the trader, they may actually pay less this financial year. The pitch rental remains the same as 2019/20 and we have offered traders an incentive if they erect their own stalls of a £5 reduction per week.
“Those who don’t wish to erect their own stalls will pay the same rate as 2019/20 but will pay a surcharge to cover the costs of us erecting a stall on their behalf.”
