Traders kept in dark

AS A Moor market trader, I would like to clarify that we were not expecting an "on the hoof" decision and never have. We respect that businesses on Fargate should be consulted before any decision was made, as their views and needs are as important as our own.

Our complaint was that, after 18 months of discussions between market representatives and council officials, the plans that had been drawn up had been put on a back burner.

Without any further discussions with ourselves, an entirely different plan was to be followed. It would appear the recommendations of council officers do not count.

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Surely Coun Tim Rippon was advised of the plans by his officers but he appears to have disregarded them. We can only perceive from his comments that the only way forward is on his terms.

We were aware that some of the businesses on Fargate were unhappy with the way casual markets were organised. To approach them as to their views on a permanent market could only lead to a negative response.

We understood that the plan agreed was that a trial market. This was to show businesses that with proper positioning at the stalls, correct management and strict rules on appearance, a permanent market would have no detrimental effect on their businesses, but create a positive retail experience.

The businesses were to be consulted as to how they felt the trial market had worked. Then, any comments, suggestions or problems could be discussed.

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We were confused over Tim Rippon's comments about the possibility that part of the market remaining on The Moor and the rest on another site, as this has never been put forward.

The council had advised that once the new indoor market was complete, there was no place for an outside market on The Moor.

It was promised that the market traders would be kept up-to-date and informed of all key decisions but this has not been the case, since Mr Rippon has been in charge.

The market traders merely wish to maintain an outside market in the centre of Sheffield on a site that has a sufficient retail foothold to ensure economic viability.

Surely the council should be considering the needs of all Shefield people.

P Bartram, Moor Trader.