Protest held outside annual council meeting over eviction of market food vans

Two food vendors have been threatened with legal action by the council if they do not leave their pitch on Northampton Market Square

Nadia Lincoln Local Democracy Reporter | Friday 22nd May 2026 4:54pm

A further protest has been held outside the Northampton Guildhall ahead of the council’s annual meeting, rallying against threats of legal action after longstanding food van owners defied attempts to evict them from the market square.

As first reported by the Chronicle & Echo, Ciro’s Place and Fryin’ Brian were given four days’ notice to leave their town centre pitches by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), giving them until 8pm on April 24 to leave.

A further letter was sent at the beginning of last week, instructing the food vans to vacate by Friday, May 15, or face legal action. Despite the notices, both vans have continued trading and local people have gathered around them in support.

The Reform UK-led local authority has previously said it was trying to “address instances of anti-social behaviour within the square” and that the decision was made as part of an “overall review of the offer of stalls”.

One protestor, Hayley Trasler, said everyone was “shocked and outraged” at the council’s decision. She said that the group was requesting a public meeting with the council on the issue.

“We think it’s only fair to listen to what the reasons are – that’s what we have been trying to get for them to talk to us,” she told the LDRS.

“We feel the town’s as much ours as it is theirs. We have a right to have some say in it, but [the council] don’t seem to listen to us.

“This is going to have a massive impact on their lives and their livelihoods. We have got a good community on the market, we have got a lot of support there.

“We’re not giving up until this is resolved in a reasonable and fair manner.”

Speaking to the LDRS outside the Guildhall after the council meeting, Joao of Ciro’s Place said: “I still don’t know what’s happened, they don’t explain anything, they don’t speak to me. I don’t even know the reasons why we have to leave.

“There’s massive support for us and it shows that people want the vans in the market – they don’t want us to go.

“It’s very unprofessional. [The council] should’ve dealt with me like they deal with a normal human being. I felt like a criminal the way they treated me.”

An online petition opposing the change and showing support for the food vans has now attracted over 1,200 signatures.

The LDRS has approached WNC for comment.

A spokesperson previously said that the notice period given to the traders was “in line with the contract”.

They added: “The Council took the decision as it moves forward with plans to address instances of anti-social behaviour within the square and as part of an overall review of the offer of stalls as it looks to make improvements. 

“WNC is working hard to bring new energy to the market as part of its ongoing commitment to creating a safer, more welcoming and successful town centre for residents, visitors and businesses.”

More News Headlines