A MARKET trader in Bradford on Avon has criticised Wiltshire Council after being fined for deciding not to set up during Storm Doris.

Stall holders had to batten down the hatches as high winds pummelled the marquees on Thursday (February 23).

Owner of pie firm Eat Square, Alex Joll, decided not to set up because of the harsh weather but was told that he would be fined.

Mr Joll said: “I don’t think it’s fair that stall holders should be penalised for putting safety first. We want to trade and we go out in all weathers, but when it is dangerous we should not be punished for putting safety first.

“You are stuck really because the market manager can issue a fine if you don’t set up but you also don’t want anybody to be harmed.

“The problem is that you have to think about public liability insurance. If winds reach over 30-40mph then the insurance is negated.”

The decision whether to close the market due to the weather, or other factors, is decided by the market manager. Stall holders who don’t set up can receive a fine if the manager decides the reason for not attending isn’t good enough or goes against Wiltshire Council policies.

“The charge for not setting up is about £20,” added Mr Joll.

“We sell fresh produce so if we don’t set up in the day we end up losing money ourselves.

“I heard that a number of stalls in Devizes did the same.”

Paul Hart, who runs Harts Natural Seafood Ltd, said his stall umbrella was carried away by the strong gusts.

“There wasn’t a major amount of damage and nobody was injured, thankfully. The stall was stable but it does bend a bit due to the wind.

“These things just happen sometimes.

“We have had markets in the Mendips closed due to the weather. It is someone’s prerogative if they choose to not open for the day."

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “Our officers checked it was safe to hold our markets in Devizes, Bradford on Avon and Wilton last Thursday and all three went ahead without incident.

“Our permanent traders agree payment for their pitch and they are expected to attend.

“We always advise traders to ensure their stalls are robust enough to withstand these weather conditions so they can continue to trade.”