Crackdown on 'foul-mouthed' market traders

Traders have allegedly been shouting at each other and also at council staff

A new code of conduct has been introduced to tackle bad behaviour at a popular market after allegations of traders shouting at each other and swearing at council workers.

Ribble Valley councillors has signed off on rules written for traders at the newly upgraded Clitheroe Market, which also includes a new disciplinary process.

A council report said despite the market having a "safe reputation", the measures were needed after verbal and written warnings were handed to some traders about their conduct.

Andrew Dent, the council's environmental health chief, said: "Generally, traders there are cordial. However, sometimes there has been a tendency to deviate from this."

He said: "We have some conditions already in place but there's nothing about behaviour. So the purpose here is to set best behaviour for traders, to treat each other with respect, for no foul language or discrimination."

The new code specifies that traders must not not act abusively or aggressively or make anyone feel uncomfortable.

Verbal abuse, bad language, physical aggression, shouting or intimidating behaviour will not be tolerated, as well as discrimination.

'Proper system'

Disciplinary stages start with an informal or verbal warning for a minor breach, followed by a written warning.

If a trader gets three written warnings over two years, the council will call a formal meeting.

Sanctions could be a suspension or termination of their market licence. But traders will have a right of appeal to the council's chief executive.

Mr Dent said the changes were needed as "currently, if we issue a verbal warning, we have no process to follow".

He added: "We know that and the traders know that. But if we get a proper system, it will support us all and the market supervisor."

Conservative councillor Rosemary Elms said: "I welcome this code of conduct too.

"It's long overdue, to be honest. I fully support this."