Market Square traders demand compensation

MORE than 50 traders have signed a petition demanding compensation from Saffron Walden Town Council for the total devastation caused by the resurfacing of the Market Square. The petition reads: Footfall in the town is a fraction of what should be expec

MORE than 50 traders have signed a petition demanding compensation from Saffron Walden Town Council for the "total devastation" caused by the resurfacing of the Market Square.

The petition reads: "Footfall in the town is a fraction of what should be expected - people do not want to shop in a building site!

"We feel let down, once again, by the local council who have given scant consideration to small retailers trying to overcome the obstacles raised by continued building work around the market square, for the third year in a row.

"Rate rebates are extremely hard to obtain - perhaps the council could help us all with a blanket rebate to ease the wound? A token gesture would be better that the nothing we are getting presently."

The petition, which was organised by Ann Miller, director of Stickpin Ltd, was also sent to Sir Alan Haselhurst and the local press.

The redevelopment of the Market Square was started on March 2 and is expected to last eight to 10 weeks. The petition gathered 57 signatures representing shops, restaurants, hairdresser, butchers and other retailers who rely on the footfall through the Market Square.

Do you support the traders' demand for compensation? Let us know by emailing editor@saffronwalden-reporter.co.uk.