Protest against sudden removal of market traders

A protest has been held in a market square, demonstrating against the council's decision to remove two food vendors with four days' notice.

Ciro's Place and Fryin' Brian, which are based in Northampton's Market Square, have been given until 20:00 BST on Friday to vacate by West Northamptonshire Council.

The Reform-UK led local authority said it was trying to "address instances of anti-social behaviour within the square" and as part of an "overall review of the offer of stalls".

One demonstrator, Hayley Traseler, described the situation as "absolutely outrageous and shocking", adding the "lack of fairness" was "upsetting to everybody".

An online petition opposing the change has attracted nearly 700 signatures.

Joao Frade, who runs Ciro's Place which has been in the square since 1997, said he was "never" given a reason by the council.

"I'm one of the busiest traders over here. If I go and [Fryin' Brian goes], half of the market's going to die."

Another protester, Steven Holland, said the venue meant more than just a place to eat.

"It's not just a burger van, it's a social hub as well. People come here to escape their daily struggles, meet their mates, and chill out. It's more than food and drink," he said.

Dave Chambers, a regular at Ciro's Place, said: "It's wrong.

"The man's here trying to earn a living, he's doing nothing wrong, he's doing a service to the people, his food's good. I've never seen trouble here."

The move has also attracted criticism from political opponents on the council.

Enam Haque from the Labour group said he "understands how devastating" the impact is, adding that anti-social behaviour should be dealt with by "tackling the perpetrators, not closing down the businesses".

Independent councillor Julie Davenport said "businesses are not responsible for other people's behaviour".

Frade added: "People are very upset because people don't understand why I have to go. I'm not doing anything wrong."

A council spokesman said the notice period was "in line with the contract" while "support has been offered" to the traders affected.

"The decision is primarily based on a review of the balance of traders on the Market Square as we want to improve the range and offer to create a more welcoming space," they said.

"As part of this work we are also looking at where traders are located within the square to see how this might also help us reduce instances of anti-social behaviour.

"The decision followed engagement with traders and careful consideration of feedback received."

In August 2024, police ran an eight-week campaign trying to tackle anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, drug offences and serious violence in the town centre.

Then last October, the council said it was introducing two new anti-social behaviour officers to patrol the area as part of a 12-month initiative.

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