A fruit and vegetable trader has said the 25 per cent reduction in rents for stallholders in Northampton Market Square is the “best thing the council has ever done.”
From the beginning of November until 2014 rents for permanent traders will be reduced by 25 per cent, which will reduce rents on a Saturday from £25 to £19 and typical weekday rents from £10 to £7.50 a day.
Eamonn ‘Fitzy’ Fitzpatrick, who has been a vocal critic of Northampton Borough Council in the past, said he was extremely pleased that local politicians had listened to traders concerns and done something to help them.
Fitzy was joined on his stall today by Councillor David Mackintosh, leader of the council, and Councillor Jonathan Nunn (Con, Nene Valley), council assistant cabinet member responsible for the town centre, who were helping to promote the ‘Love Northampton Market Campaign’.
Mr Fitzpatrick said: “I honestly think this is the most positive thing and group of politicians has ever done for the market.
“I’m pleased to know politicians care abut us and see us as an asset for the town.
“I was talking to traders in other towns about the 25 per cent rent reduction and they were absolutely amazed. It is unheard of.
“I think it will help traders to up their game.”
Councillor Mackintosh said: “We had an independent survey of the market in March and one thing that came out was that traders thought the rents were too high.
“The market is vital to the town and with the new bus interchange opening in 2014 it will be enjoying an increased footfall.
“We know this is a difficult period for the economy and we wanted to help the market traders.”
Councillor Nunn said: “I think the rent reduction will make the market really attractive to traders and we hope they will use the saving to reinvest into their stalls.”
Councillor Mackintosh said that he admired the work ethic of traders such as Mr Fitzpatrick and hoped the rent reduction would attract new stallholders.
He said: “I thought I worked long hours but speaking to Fitzy he said he gets up at 2am and then works through to 5pm.”
The rent reduction will last until 2014, when it will be reviewed by the council.
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