Hugely popular market loved by locals forced to close just 3 years after opening as traders say ‘we did nothing wrong’
A POPULAR market has been closed down just three years after opening.
The Canada Water Market, which contained 25-30 traders each week, was forced to have its final day on Sunday (April 30 after the council revoked its license.
Operated by company The Market Network in Deal Porter Square, the market ran weekly on Sundays in Wapping and Tower Hill since launching in April 2022.
Southwark Council has claimed they "did not meet the conditions of its license."
But owner of the company William Cutteridge has vehemently denied this, saying: “We have always paid our rent promptly and we are fully up to date on payments.
“There are no valid grounds for them to terminate our licence.”
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Cabinet member for climate emergency, jobs and business, Cllr John Batteson, stated: "The operator has consistently not met the conditions of its licence, and therefore it has been revoked."
He pointed to the way The Canada Water Market is operated different than other markets in the area, with higher fees for stall holders to trade as a privately operated business.
William justified charging a higher fee to increase footfall, and providing traders access to marketing, content creation, as well as adequate seating its up to 100 customers.
He added: “It seems a totally erratic decision that’s been made without knowledge of the knock-on consequences on normal people’s lives.”
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The market's closure has raised concerns for regular stallholders, such as Jou Jou’s Bites, Fiesta Gözleme, Fabs Ceramics and Mr Porchetta.
Fabiana Faria Da Cunha, Head of Markets at The Market Network said: “The livelihoods of not only my own career but also the traders who rely on these markets are under serious threat due to the erratic and unjust decisions made by Southwark Council.”
Following announcement of the closure, a petition has been set up to protect the market and has reached over 1000 signatories,
The petition calls for 'fairness and collaboration' from Southwark Council in order to reinstate Canada Water Market's operating license.
It writes: "We acknowledge that there may have been misunderstandings or miscommunications regarding payment processes, particularly given that no formal contract has ever been provided to establish clear terms."
The market is described as "an integral part of the local community, supporting small businesses, charities, musicians, and entrepreneurs since its launch."
The closure of Canada Water Market follows the closing down of another popular and historic market in Nottingham.
Local shops located around the UK are facing closures despite their popularity and history.
