Plans for a new market in Stoke Gifford have faced opposition from locals warning of a “severe fox problem”. The artisan market would be held on the first Saturday of every month on the Square on Long Down Avenue, with up to 25 traders.
The market would be held from 10am to 3pm, organised by a Welsh firm that also puts on a similar market in Thornbury. But four people living nearby are objecting to the plans, partly due to fears over parking as well as exacerbating an issue with foxes raiding bins.
Green Top Markets is applying for street trading consent from South Gloucestershire Council. Councillors on a licensing hearing will decide whether to grant the application on Thursday, November 14.
Writing to the council, one local resident said: “There are a number of food and drink outlets already located within the square that meet local requirements. There are no public conveniences for traders and customers.
“Little parking is available on Saturday morning to support the additional demand. Setting up will probably take place from early Saturday morning, disturbing neighbours living nearby.”
Another resident added: “We have a severe problem with foxes raiding bins and scattering the mess in the local area and it requires clearing up before it’s a health hazard. Since food is being served, the traders should seal the existing bins during the trading hours and provide bins for refuse and waste food, that the traders remove once trading ceases for the day.”
A similar market in Thornbury was described last year as “extremely successful” by a town councillor, while the organiser said “a lot of small independent businesses rely on this market”. The market starts setting up at 7am and is gone by 4.30pm.