Thatcham Friday Market stall ‘will continue’, says council

Thatcham’s longstanding fruit and vegetable stall will soon be leaving the town centre. The stall, part of the town’s weekly Friday market for 22 years, has been given its marching orders by Thatcham Town Council and will cease trading from November 8. But the council said it wants reassure residents and businesses that the service will continue with a new trader.

In an online statement, it said: “While we’ve had to make the difficult decision to end our longstanding relationship with the current fruit and veg vendor, we’re pleased to share a new trader is set to take over from November 15. “We’re working hard to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to the market. “We know how important the stall is to the community, and we’re confident the new vendor will provide a great selection of produce, maintaining the quality and variety you’ve come to expect.



” The council cited waste storage, parking issues and alleged cases of rudeness towards customers as reasons behind its decision in an email it addressed to the vendor — which was distributed at last Friday’s market. But vendors Karen and Neil Millar-Ward have claimed the council wanted “a change of face” and did not communicate its grievances with them. The couple, based near Ringwood, told newburytoday : “We’re absolutely gutted, and it’s completely out of the blue.

I still think there’s something amiss. “We’ve never had a verbal warning about anything, let alone a written warning. “If there are issues with the public complaining about us, they have a duty to come and speak to us about it.

“Our lorry has been in Waitrose car park for the last 15 to 18 years which we pay for, which Waitrose don’t have a problem with. “There was a big gap on the market where the cars used to pull in and, of course, they didn’t want cars pulling in and out where people are walking, when they’re meant to be shopping. “We were asked by the council to put our van there.

To go back into the car park would not be a problem at all.” They added: “Nobody’s actually been brave enough to come and say sorry about what’s happening, which really hurts. “Once you’re on a market, you tend to stay there for life.

It is a big loss to our income. “We would like to thank all our customers.” The council had no further comments to add.

Customers have also reacted to the news. In a letter sent to newburytoday , Thatcham resident Stephen Potts said he is “disappointed” by the council’s decision to end the partnership. He wrote: “I find it disappointing the council cannot work around these minor problems to keep this valuable asset to the Thatcham community in situ, especially when all councils have a duty to promote healthy eating.

” Another customer added: “The reasons quoted seem rather churlish, given the tenure of this stall and the fact it is probably the main draw for many people supporting the market each week.” The new trader will take over the stall from November 15..