Rochdale butcher told not to return to Accrington Markets

Rochdale butcher, Bernard Culshaw was told not to return to Accrington Sunday Markets because bosses claimed only one meat seller was permitted on site.

Bernard, who runs Bacon Barnies Ltd in Castleton, Rochdale, said: “I worked all day at the markets and then when I went to renew my licence I was told I couldn’t come back.”

When selling at the markets, Bernard was selling pre-packed meat and made the council aware of this when applying for his licence.

Mr Culshaw trades all across the North West and often attends Rochdale, Oldham and Middleton markets and said: “I’ve never had any trouble before. If they had told me when I applied for the license that I couldn’t go then I would have accepted it, but to work all day and then be told I couldn’t go back was ridiculous.”

Bernard attended the Accrington Sunday Markets on 22 September. He added: “There shouldn’t be a monopoly with these types of things. In this business competition is expected.”

Bernard said he knew the butcher working on the markets and said they often work together at other markets.

He added: “I had no problems from anyone on the day. It was only when I went to renew my licence that something was said.”

When asked if he would return to the markets Bernard said: “It is undecided if we will go back but they would have to ask me to return.”

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Markets at Hyndburn Council, Cllr Clare Pritchard said: “Historically it has been our practice to restrict the number of meat traders selling products from a ‘meat wagon’ on Sundays, in order to offer a diversity of goods at the market.

"We always try to ensure the interests of loyal traders are kept in mind, but we are not against competition and we’re happy to review our current practice.”

Bernard added: “I don’t think they’ll change the policy.”