Row erupts as parasols replace fixed market stalls

The replacement of permanent market stalls with new parasols in a town centre has drawn the wrath of some residents who said they feared they would not be suitable on windy days.

Two out of six fixed stalls have been removed at the market ground in Hyde, Greater Manchester, to make way for the giant umbrellas.

Tameside Council said the move was aimed at creating a "space for the market and for events to be held, adding to the vibrancy of the town centre".

But stallholder Beryl Clark said "nobody wanted" the parasols, adding the council needed to "understand what it is like" to trade in bad weather.

Ms Clark, who has worked at the outdoor market for more than five years, said the parasols were too small and had been positioned "in the windiest part of the market".

A Tameside Council spokesman said they were "health and safety compliant and able to withstand wind speeds up to 41mph".

Shoppers in Hyde town centre told BBC Radio Manchester they had some reservations.

Alfredo Pisani, who has lived in Greater Manchester for 56 years, said the parasols were "not good enough" for the stallholders.

While 71-year-old Steve Hodgson said he thought they were a "waste of time".

"The canvas is held on with Velcro," he added. "If you get a good wind, it's going to blow off!"

Work on Hyde outdoor market began in November, using £737,000 of funding secured through the government's High Street Task Force.

The work includes extensive tree maintenance, replanting of granite planters and new decorative lighting.

Councillor Stephen Homer said the removal of the two fixed stalls "ensures there is space for events to increase footfall, like the recent Tameside Lantern Parade and Christmas events".

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