A petition has been launched to reopen Stratford's Market Village, after the collection of local shops was, according to traders, closed down 'without any prior warning'.
Operating inside the Stratford Centre for over 30 years, Market Village comprises dozens of local businesses, including clothes retailers, barbers, butchers, nail bars and eateries. You might compare it to the late Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre; friendly, independent outlets in an indoor mall setting. Needless to say, it outdates the less personal feeling Westfield Centre by some way.
The petition, which was launched by one of the traders, GT Spice Caribbean Takeaway, claims that the abrupt closure of the market — due to the company directors going into administration — 'not only affects the livelihoods of these traders but also disrupts a piece of our local history and culture that we hold dear'. Continues the petition:
We are calling on you — our fellow citizens — to help us petition the mayor and council for their intervention. We want them to take control and allow for the continuation of trading at Market Village so that it can remain an integral part of Stratford's vibrant community fabric."
You can read and sign the petition here.
