Wellingborough market stalls removed due to anti-social behaviour

Work will start next week to removed the fixed stalls at Wellingborough Market

Anti-social behaviour such as street drinking has forced the removal of fixed stalls in a town centre market.

North Northamptonshire Council said the structures at Wellingborough Market would be dismantled next week.

Large photo boards showing the history of the market will also be taken down, and drop-down bollards will be installed.

The council added that the work would make the area safer and create a larger events space.

Discussions on local social media groups suggest the market stalls have been a gathering point for drinkers.

Northamptonshire Police has recommended that the stalls be removed after highlighting that anti-social behaviour (ASB) was an issue in a recent audit, according to the council.

Matt Binley, executive councillor for highways, said: "We apologise for any inconvenience whilst the work is taking place. In the long term, it is hoped that this proactive action will reduce ASB in the area.

"The works will also help create a larger space for events, whilst improving safety for people walking through the area, allowing for better CCTV surveillance and address unauthorised parking on the market square through repair work to the bollards."

Stallholders will be relocated while works take place at the market

Sandra McGrath, who has a children's clothing stall on the market, believed more should be done to tackle the problems.

"The council have spent thousands and thousands of our money messing the market about, moving stalls, rewiring, fitting new electric boxes," she said.

"We have constantly asked to meet with council folk to discuss problems and to put our views forward."

Traders would be relocated to Orient Way while the work was carried out, which was likely to take 7-10 days.

The council has stressed that it would continue to run as normal once the work had been completed.

It has been invited to respond to Ms McGrath's comments.