Butcher 'may have to quit Oswestry market' over parking row
One of the founders of a farmer's market that has been running for almost two decades says he may be forced to give up his stall after he was threatened with a parking ticket.
Jamie Ward has been parking his refrigerated van by his stall on the Bailey Head in Oswestry every fourth Friday of the month for 17 years.
But last week he was told he had to move it from the market square – or get booked.
Mr Ward, who farms at nearby Whittington, is the latest local business to be affected by a recent clamp down on parking in Oswestry Town Centre.
Oswestry's mayor says that it is a shame that common sense can not prevail.
A traffic warden approached the popular butcher on Friday morning asking him to move his vehicle.
"I pointed out that it was also my fridge, which, for health and safety reasons, I have to have in order to keep the meat in good condition," Mr Ward said.
"She was adamant that the vehicle had to be moved. Many of my customers were getting quite irate, supporting me, but I had no option than to move it."
Thanks to sub-zero temperatures on Friday the butcher was able to transfer his produce from his van onto his stall.
But he said this was not an option in ordinary weather: "If this cannot be sorted I will have to, very reluctantly, give up Oswestry market. It's very sad as I was one of those who started it 17 years ago."
Mayor Councillor Paul Milner said Oswestry Town Council was powerless when it comes to on-street parking as it was a Shropshire Council matter.
Shropshire Council's investigation, compliance and intervention team manager, Grant Tunnadine, said: "The area is covered by a valid Traffic Regulation Order. Whilst this ensures the area is kept available for the market and ensures pedestrian safety, it does require the market traders to take account of the restrictions in place."
