Market traders to set out their stall

Market traders opposed to plans for gazebo-style street stalls will petition Oldham Council this week.

The traders, many of them from generations who have stood on Tommyfield, say they need solid, long-term structures to operate from.

They fear the gazebos will not withstand winter winds and cold weather. But most of all, traders are disappointed that the council has not sent anyone to the market to talk to them and ask for their advice.

The 195-name petition has been collected on Tommyfield as well as Royton and Shaw where the organisers say traders are also opposed to the gazebo-style stall.

Jeff Baer, whose Oldham handbag stall has been a fixture for 45 years, said: “We trade in an environment of bad weather so we don’t think these gazebos are the way forward. They have not consulted us about what we want.”

Anthony Aspin, who has sold and repaired watches for 20 years, said: “I have seen the gazebos on Stockport market.

“I wouldn’t want one, it was just blowing about — and they are a limited size.”

Mohammed Akram, who has sold jumpers for 35 years on Tommyfield, and MS Bhutta, who has sold sports wear for 25 years, supported the petition which states:

“We want good solid stalls like Sowerby Bridge, with a condensed space for pitches, a bigger car park at the side and future expansion with diverse goods and a proper, full-time management team in place.

“The idea of the gazebo has not been fully thought out. The size and workability is no good for us as professional traders.”

Tariq Mahmood, who will present the petition, has sold fabrics on Tommyfield for 10 years.

He said: “You can’t display your goods properly in gazebos, they only have collapsible tables. Another problem is the fact that customers can’t see into them from a distance — they have to go inside to look.

“It is not like the traditional market where customers wander up and down to see what’s on offer.”

But Alan Hartwell, interim markets manager, whose company has been using the demountable stalls for several years, says they are sturdy and attractive.

§And he urged traders to go along to the next consultation meeting, which he will arrange shortly.

He stressed that his company, Market Place (Europe) Ltd, uses the stalls across the UK for continental markets.

He added: “They are load-tested and wind-tested.

“What Oldham Council has in mind is an industry-recognised marquee, of very high quality, which will provide greater protection for traders and their produce.

“They are slightly stronger than the ones used in Bolton and all the individual component parts are replaceable.

“Traders will have power and a choice of lighting, it will be much more flexible.

“The meeting four weeks ago was the first one in a long line of consultation.”