Local MP Robert Largan has this week slammed High Peak Borough Council for their treatment of the Glossop market traders who were moved from the market hall, stating that the Labour council have been wilfully ignoring the needs of the traders.
His comments follow the Council refusing the MP’s request to meet with him and the traders about their ongoing issues.
In a meeting last week between Mr Largan and the traders, the MP heard how traders have lost faith in the Council over their handling of the restoration of the market hall.
The traders, some of which have been running market stalls in Glossop for generations, have been subjected to years of uncertainty and constant goal-post shifting throughout the long-running saga.
Traders were first forced out of the market hall and into the Town Hall Arcade. They are now being forced into outdoor wooden cabins, which are far from suitable for many businesses.
Damien Greenhalgh, as Deputy Leader of the Council, previously made a public commitment to the traders that they would be offered first refusal on stalls in the restored market hall. However, traders now fear that they will only be offered stalls at sky high rent that is simply unaffordable.
Robert Largan MP has called on High Peak Borough Council to agree to a joint meeting with him and the traders, so that trust between the traders and the Council can be rebuilt.
Robert Largan MP commented:
“Glossop market traders have been treated appallingly by the Council. They’ve been subjected to years of uncertainty and constantly shifting goal-posts. Commitments have been made and not kept.
“I’ve tried to work constructively with the Council on this. But when I requested a further meeting between the Council, the traders and myself, I was refused.
“Therefore, I’m having to resort to publicly calling for the Council to meet with me and the traders. It’s vital that the Council try and rebuild the trust of the market traders.”
Suzanne Williamson, who runs Narnia Furniture and Homeware, said:
“We have been completely let down by High Peak Borough Council. The way that myself and the other market traders have been treated is disgraceful.
“We have had to relocate three times in two years. Now, we are now trying to run successful businesses in small, damp cabins with no certainty about our future.
“We are really disappointed that Mr Largan’s request for a meeting with the Council was refused. It means a lot to have his support, and we want to make sure the council address our concerns”.
