THERE has been a huge public outcry in response to the news that market trader, Ken Langley, has been banned by Wiltshire Council from Melksham’s Tuesday market.
The community has labelled Wiltshire Council’s decision a “disgrace” and have called for Ken’s ban – which prevents him from trading at any Wiltshire Council-run market – to be lifted, and for Melksham Town Council to show their support.
The owner of Ken’s Fresh Fish was given his marching orders by Wiltshire Council after he turned up to trade in the Market Place on a day that the market had been cancelled due to expected high winds.
However, Ken says that he was told “too late” about the cancellation and that he had already purchased stock to sell at the market.
“This is disgraceful!” said Carrie Black in response to the story in the last issue of Melksham News. “This guy is just trying to earn a living and has been serving the Melksham community for years, come rain, shine or pandemic. Come on Wiltshire Council! Some empathy needed here!”
Catherine Cooper added, “Melksham [Town] Council must show some solidarity with the people of Melksham and get Ken his licence back! We need people trading in our town in order to encourage the public back to our shops. Wiltshire Council are persecuting this poor chap and his customers!”
Valerie Hillier said, “Utterly shameful, this man has served Melksham residents for a long time. Just petty and spiteful to deprive him of his licence in these uncertain times.”
“Shame on you!” said Amanda Jayne Burrows. “Wiltshire Council throwing your weight around! Surely you can see he’s only trying to earn a living while providing a valuable service to Melksham residents, as well as people who come to Melksham for the fresh fish!”
Den Fillis said, “Wiltshire Council, where everybody matters – biggest joke ever.”
About the show of public support, Ken told Melksham News, “It’s been fantastic – I didn’t know I was so popular! A big thank you to everyone that has supported me.
“But will this get me back here in Melksham? If the town council were to take over the market – which they said last year they were hoping to do – I would love to come back.”
Plans for Ken to continue trading in the vicinity of the Market Place were scuppered when he was issued a warning by Wiltshire Council that he could be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000 for each day he attempts to trade.
“I’ve had so many offers from local pubs and land owners in the town for me to come and trade on their land,” said Ken. “But Wiltshire Council has told me that must be on private property at least 10 metres away from any path or road – so that will not be possible.”
In the meantime, Ken can be found all day on Tuesdays at Allington Farm Shop in Chippenham, and at Devizes market on Thursdays.
A spokesperson for Melksham Town Council said, “Melksham Town Council acknowledges the popularity of the fish seller at Melksham’s market and knows he will be sorely missed.”
Wiltshire Council was also approached for comment.
