Council waives stall fees for Christmas Market (From Warrington Guardian)

Council waives stall fees for Christmas Market

5:00pm Monday 22nd October 2012 in News

FUNDRAISERS are rejoicing after being told they will not have to stump up more cash for their charity Christmas market.

The organisers of the market, which aims to raise money towards building a new community centre in Chapelford, were left shocked when told they would have to ask all stallholders to pay £65 each on top of the fees for taking a stall at the fair on December 1.

Jo Taylor, one of the team, said: “I checked with the council to find out about the catering stalls we had booked in. He said if you have any food or drink stalls they need a permit. He then said all stalls needed one. We had 35 stalls who had paid deposits.

“I was in tears. We have been organising this for months.

“It’s raising money for the community centre and it’s a community event that brings everyone together. Everyone knows about it.”

The campaigners original plans to hold the market on Dakota Park were thwarted when they were told they would have to pay out a £5,000 bond due to the park conditions and also be responsible for any accidents on the site.

Sainsbury’s supermarket came to organisers rescue and offered the use of part of the Chapelford store’s car park and offered cover for liability.

But now Warrington Borough Council has backed down and will not expect the stallholders to pay out.

A council spokesman said: “Warrington Borough Council, in common with other local authorities, has powers to control street trading. Each application has to be considered on its individual merits and in this case we are happy to waive the fee for the day consent on this occasion in support of this non-commercial, charitable event. We will continue to work with traders to ensure that we create a quality street trading environment for all.”