A market trader feels stallholders are being treated unfairly by Swindon Borough Council after several of them have received parking fines.

Since moving from Wharf Green to the Fountain area of the town in September, footfall has risen at the market but traders have received penalty notices for parking near the old tented market on Market Street.

They said this was where they were allowed to park, for free, when the market was in its old location, but after it has moved, they have received fines.

And Rob Morley, co-owner of ScentimentalGlow, said that he only found out he wasn't able to park there anymore after receiving a fine.

It is feared the issue could deter stallholders from coming into the town.

Despite claims from the borough council that traders have been offered designated car parks, one businessman has told The Adver this isn’t the case.

Co-owner of ScentimentalGlow, Rob Morley said: “We need to have our vans close by so we can re-stock but because of where the stalls are is in a pedestrian zone, we can’t have our vehicles with us.

Swindon Advertiser:

“The stalls moved up by the Fountain area of town on the request of Swindon Borough Council and inSwindon BID, but we’re now getting penalised for it.

“There are people here from Bristol, Brean, Birmingham and Weston-super-Mare so if we drive down here there is a cost in fuel, but to now have that extra cost of parking tickets means it’s becoming an issue.

“The market restarted in April so we’ve been there since the beginning and down by the old tent market is where we were told we’re allowed to park. There were never any issues, but it’s only in the last few weeks they’ve decided we aren’t allowed to be there.

“We’re just worried that it’s going to start putting traders off if they’re not able to park. I emailed the council and appealed against the ticket which they have [rejected], unfortunately.

“There were about eight of us who have been ticketed. We love it in Swindon, though, it’s a great market and a great atmosphere."

Swindon Advertiser:

Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Organisational Excellence, Cllr Dale Heenan, said: "Up to this point, stallholders have paid for their van and equipment to stay in a car park for six to eight hours and free parking has never been offered.

"Our records show that the only fines issued to stallholders were when vehicles were parking outside the tented market.

"I am pleased to confirm that I have signed a Cabinet Member Decision Note offering all stallholders parking at £2.50 for a trial period.

"I am keen to find ways to support the market so that Swindon attracts new stalls, and keeps existing stallholders happy.”

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