Long Sutton Parish Council will object to the new Market Handbook adopted by South Holland District Council, saying it’s a stealthy way of ending the market.
Parish councillors feel Long Sutton stall holders are not being treated fairly as they are facing a higher increase in pitch fees than other stall holders across the district.
A parish council spokesman said: “We did submit objections to the proposed handbook during the consultation period but our view does not seem to have been taken into account.
“The district council gives the reason for the increase to stall holders being higher than Spalding because of the cost of the road closure but we have been advised by Coun Jack Tyrrell that there is no cost to the district council.
“It is unrealistic for stall holders to take online payments when there is no wi-fi in the Market Place and the batteries on payment devices such as Sum Up are not sufficient for a day’s trading.”
Parish councillors say the age demographic of Long Sutton, and South Holland in general, is the older retired person and the tradition of the Long Sutton Market is for people to visit as part of a weekly social outing to meet friends and catch up.
They say It provides an outdoor safe environment now it is in the Market Place and provides additional footfall for local shops.
The spokesman added: “The visitors mainly deal in cash especially when buying small items, not everyone has online banking or Apple Pay or wish to have a cashless society!
“There has been a Charter for a market in Long Sutton for over 800 years and there have been moves to close it over recent years and it begs the question if the new rules are being used to deter stallholders from attending thus ending the market.
“It is also unfair for stallholders to have to pay in advance online when bad weather could mean they cannot hold a stall. There is a newly appointed Markets Manager and so stallholders should be able to pay on the day.
“After Covid-19 it is important that people can take advantage of the market to meet people and socialise.
“Many older and vulnerable people may not see anyone for days and the market and the atmosphere provide an opportunity for people to meet.”
The council will be supporting ward members in their efforts to oppose the handbook, price increases and new online requirements.
