What about city’s existing traders?

THERE have been a number of articles in the local press recently about this “fantastic” Christmas Market for our “pleasure” that is going to take up the centre of Newcastle, including the prestigious Northumberland Street, which sounds awe-inspiring.

The official plans have been signed off by the city council, waiving aside objections by local street traders in Northumberland Street (outside in all weathers), Grainger Market and some of the larger chain shops.

None were wanting to be labelled as “kill joys” – it’s the fact that the public were given the impression that local traders were consulted.

I received a reply to a complaint some weeks ago from the spokesman for the council committee saying that the council had consulted street traders; when I checked a street trader they had merely

presented a fait accompli.

The street traders, along with me, think Christmas markets are an added attraction; I and my family here and across in the United States think Newcastle is the best city for a number of reasons.

But the local traders, who work 52 weeks a year, deserve to be treated with a lot more respect and consideration, as they are part of the fabric of the city. With only a few left there is no need to try and kill them off by treating them in this offhand manner at Christmas, which is a good time financially (weather permitting) for them.

I have been told that they were offered a pitch as part of the Mellor Group extravaganza, but that they would be paying for that pitch while still paying for – and losing money on – their usual pitch.

The Mellor Group agreement with the city is for three years with planning permission, but expected to be for five years to be fair to all shops/traders etc in the city, with a rotation of venues and including the world-famous Quayside.

I intend to ask the city council what they will be paid per annum and what liability they have leasing out vast areas of the city centre, and what

liabilities are possible under the appropriate H&S Regulations, taking into consideration some of the more adventurous rides. Is the Mellor Group responsible or the individual attraction?

Would the city council be happier if they did not have any street traders anymore in the city (including the Quayside), do they get in the way? We all would appreciate a great Christmas but local businesses and traders should be treat with more consideration, some have been in the city for many decades.

CYRIL COX, Hazlerigg