Council chief ‘sorry’ for market comment
THE council’s chief executive has been slammed for appearing to mock Stockport’s ‘tumbleweed’ town centre in an article saying shoppers would stay away on Black Friday.
Eamonn Boylan has sparked anger with his disparaging quotes - about Stockport Market - in national newspaper the Financial Times.
He has been accused of letting down those fighting to ensure the area thrives in challenging times but says his ‘careless’ comment was ‘taken out of context’ and has apologised.
Mr Boylan was quoted as saying: “Every last Friday of the month, when the artisan food traders pitch up in the market square, the complaints we get are: it’s too full, it’s too crowded, and I’m queueing too long for my gourmet burger.
“Whereas go down there today — and watch the tumbleweed.”
John O’Mara, Stockport president of the National Market Traders Federation, said: “Over the past few months a lot of effort has been put in by traders and council officers.
“For the chief executive to come out with this is very poor. It may have been a mistake but someone in his position should be more careful.”
In the article Mr Boylan also spoke of the effect of the Trafford Centre.
He said: “The point I was making is if you get the offer right, like Foodie Friday, the market is rammed and we are working with traders to ensure the quality of the offering is as good as it can be all the time.
“They picked up on one careless remark I made. I regret my choice of words, they were ill-advised and I apologise. I was surprised, it was taken out of context. Black Friday was never mentioned.”
Councillor Iain Roberts, Stockport Liberal Democrat leader, said: “Instead of criticising the market, the council should tell us their plan.”