Holidays not strikes shut stalls say Council

There will be trading on Tommyfield Market on Saturday — but numbers will be down.

The reason is religious holidays — the Muslim festival of Eid and the Jewish New Year, Oldham Council says.

Earlier this week a traders’ spokesman claimed there would be a 95 per cent strike by about 40 stall holders on the original outside market, in protest at being ignored by the council.

But Councillor Jackie Stanton, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council said: “Traders have told us they will not be operating on Friday and Saturday simply due to Eid and the Jewish new year.

“Some of the traders wish to celebrate these religious holidays with their family and friends while others do not expect many of their usual customers to be shopping during this period for exactly the same reason.

“This is not unusual and has happened in the past when Eid has fallen on market days.”