The organisers of a cancelled farmers’ market in Burntwood say it is “appalling” that the blame is being put on them.
The first pilot event had been due to take place at Sankey’s Corner this weekend.
But yesterday (9th July) leaders of Lichfield District Council and Burntwood Town Council confirmed it had been postponed, saying the organiser had cancelled.
But Jamie Walker, of CJ’s Events, told Lichfield Live licencing requirements had been behind the decision.
He said Lichfield District Council had revealed on Thursday that no street trading licences were in place.
Mr Walker said there was not enough time to get them organised – and added that the company had been left “with no other option”.
“I am extremely disappointed in the statement both Lichfield District Council and Burntwood Town Council have issued.
“We were highlighted of a licensing issue which required us to submit a large number of documents within a very short period, this was not achievable in the timeframe due to our other work commitments and staff self isolating due to Covid symptoms.
“Burntwood Town Council were notified on Thursday afternoon that the requirements of Lichfield District Council could not be met and we had no choice but to withdraw from the market.
“Burntwood Town Council confirmed this and said it was ‘disappointing but understandable’, so I am very confused as to why the leader of the district council has said it was cancelled without notice.”
Jamie Walker
Mr Walker said he would be discussing any future markets with the councils in the wake of the comments by both leaders.
“As their statement says, this market was a pilot and was being funded from the district council, so I am confused as to why the council only highlighted a licensing issue days before the market, when these things usually have to be in place at least a couple of weeks before the event.
“If we knew this was our responsibility we would have done this, but we have never had to do this with any council we work with for a market.
“The blame for the cancellation has been put on us, which I find appalling and we will be making contact with both councils regarding future markets in the coming week.”
Jamie Walker
I would honestly think that if someone is considering putting on an event anywhere they do their research and check what paperwork they need. What is this amateur hour in these strange times?
Does Mr Walker not realise that following all the hassles with previous events that went wrong for the City like Winter Wonderland and the football the council had no option but to put in a policy to safeguard things. They already trade in the city with a farmers market so they must know what is needed and by when?
If he doesn’t well he shouldnt blame the councils for not being professional cause I found it in minutes on the website and it says traders need licences!
https://www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/downloads/file/1738/lichfield-district-events-and-festivals-policy-and-procedure
I hope he hasn’t burnt his bridges by replying with bitterness
Perish the thought burntwood gets any thing different!
I would just like to know why it was cancelled they have been advertising for weeks and the day before is cancelled
Another balls up. Well done LDC.
Surprise Surprise! Full onus of this Failure placed solely on the shoulders of LDC. Their lack of communication skills is Dire.
It looks like it wasn’t LDC in this case, at least not wholly. The event “organiser” should have known what the requirements are – that is their specific job. They failed and let people down. @Sarah – spot on.
Cllr Woodward (Leader, BTC) and Cllr Pullen (Leader, LDC) have both been committed to making this happen. I bet they are gutted.
Nothing changes their continued assault in all they do surprises me .but they get away with it
Unfortunately I have to concur with Sarah Landon’s comments,BUT ! The chairman or leaders of LDC should be doing there best in encouraging market’s such as this, being switched on themselves in preventing possible delays ,so where’s the communication bween both parties well in advance of any event ! Will the leaders of LDC have their ‘special responsibility allowance’ cancelled also !!? Amature hour falls on both parties I’d say .
I trade at events, markets, county shows, country fairs, town centre food festivals etc. all over the country and in 15 years, Lichfield District Council is the only Council, I have dealt with, anywhere in the UK, which insists on every trader applying, and paying for, a trading licence on top of the cost of the event, and they enforce it like fascists. It protects nobody. CJ Events is an experienced event organiser who also work with many other Councils. The fact that they were unaware of this Licensing requirement is not surprising, since no other Council in the UK seems to use it. LDC should look at themselves, but of course they won’t because they’re too important.