Disruption begins: traders and shoppers kept in the dark over scope of works

Happy New Year – but sadly not for us here in Newham!

It appears that the Good Growth funds that were due to improve the market after decades of neglect and managed decline are finally taking place in the market, but traders, shopkeepers and shoppers say that they have been kept in the dark about timelines and when works will be completed satisfactorily. Huge sections of the market have been cordoned off causing disruption, and hardly any workers are on site!

“This really impacts my stall because I cannot bring bulk goods into the market using the usual forklift. It makes our lives difficult, and that for the customers too” said a long time trader.

Another trader said to us: “Where it’s been blocked, there’s no clear signs to say that the market is open. It sends out the wrong message”

The Good Growth Fund from the Mayor of London’s office was secured to spend £millions on refurbishment to the market while Newham Council topped up the fund.

^{Photograph (above): a notice in the flashy new Markets Inspectors office appears to show a plan but with no dates or timelines. Will the works take months or years? We are none the wiser…}

Local people and traders want to see the following:

• A full scope of works with clear timelines when works began and when it will end
• Improved communication with shoppers, the traders and between decision-makers
• Improved signage to signpost customers from the different entrances into the market
• More space between walkways and areas that have been cordoned off
• Free toilet access for all traders: presently the traders have to pay each time they use the new toilets that were paid for by our taxes via the Good Growth Fund
• The main person/ public servant to contact: presently there’s a Green Street team, One Source (a corporate wing of the Council) and the Market Inspectors office (usually quite rude and aggressive), so people are left confused by all of these “pass the buck” style roles
• Compensation for trade lost: traders are experiencing difficulties and loss of trade – will they be compensated fairly?

Newham Council say that they have spent around £3million on their Newham “co-create” website and other forms of public engagement but now local people are questioning whether the ideas given in the early stages have made it into these plans for the market, or was it all a waste of time-?

^{Photograph (above): public signs are barely visible while the Council’s real intention to demolish the market is laid bare}

Traders and shoppers have always said that they want no demolition and a robust roof, clean and decent floor and there was promise of underground electrics, but will these transpire into the latest plans – nobody knows!

For any budding investigative journalists out there, maybe you can find out more about how decisions are made inside Newham Council….

_{Gallery (above): sections of the market cordoned off with no clear signage or plans of what’s going on. Traders are squeezed while Newham Council continues to keep locals in the dark.}