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Protesters defend food vans in council dispute

Nadia LincolnLocal Democracy reporter
News imageNadia Lincoln/LDRS A group of around eight people stand outside a stone building with columns, holding handmade protest signs. The signs include messages such as “Communicate don’t litigate!”, “Talk first not court first,” and “Save our burger vans".Nadia Lincoln/LDRS
Protesters gathered in support of two food vans which are defying an order by West Northamptonshire Council to vacate the Market Square

A further protest has been held to support two food vans that continued trading in a town centre after being ordered to stop by the council.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) told Ciro's Place and Fryin' Brian to vacate their spots in Northampton's Market Square by 20:00 on April 24 with only four days' notice.

After the vans continued to trade a further letter instructed them to leave by May 15, or face legal action, but both vans have continued trading.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has approached WNC for comment.

News imageSam Read/BBC Several people protest next to two food vans. There is a table with placards on it. The van is branded CIRO'S PLACE - SIMPLY THE BEST. It is a sunny day.Sam Read/BBC
In April protesters turned out to demonstrate against the council's decision to remove Ciro's Place and Fryin' Brian from Northampton's Market Square

The action took place outside of Northampton Guildhall ahead of the council's annual meeting.

Joao Frade of Ciro's Place said: "I still don't know what's happened, they don't explain anything, they don't speak to me. I don't even know the reasons why we have to leave.

"There's massive support for us and it shows that people want the vans in the market – they don't want us to go.

"It's very unprofessional. [The council] should've dealt with me like they deal with a normal human being. I felt like a criminal the way they treated me."

An online petition opposing the change and showing support for the food vans has now attracted more than 1,200 signatures.

News imageNadia Lincoln/LDRS Close-up of a man with a stubble and pierced ear standing outdoors in front of a light stone building with decorative columns.Nadia Lincoln/LDRS
Ciro's Place owner Joao Frade said the council's treatment made him feel like a criminal

A WNC spokesperson previously said that the notice period given to the traders was "in line with the contract".

They added: "The Council took the decision as it moves forward with plans to address instances of anti-social behaviour within the square and as part of an overall review of the offer of stalls as it looks to make improvements.

"WNC is working hard to bring new energy to the market as part of its ongoing commitment to creating a safer, more welcoming and successful town centre for residents, visitors and businesses."

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