After vital equipment was sabotaged for the third time in as many weeks, Buxton Market are warning the latest damage is putting future markets in jeopardy.
The community run and owned business held its first market of the year on Saturday, 21 January, after repairs had been made following the vandalism earlier this month.
Just hours later, in the early hours of Monday morning (23 January) all four tyres on the float, plus two tyres on a trailer, were all slashed again. Replacing all the tyres will cost in excess of £1000.
Buxton Market CiC co-chair Tim Ball said: “We now firmly believe – and the Police agree with us – that this is a deliberate, targeted attack on Buxton Market.
“We urgently appeal to anyone who may know anything – to contact us or the Police by calling 101, quoting crime reference number: 23000045343. These sustained attacks of criminal damage and trespass are now putting the future of the market in grave jeopardy.
“We and the Police are reviewing CCTV coverage in the area – if you live nearby and have any cameras which may have picked up something – please let us know.
“The market is run by and for the community – we do not understand why anyone would target the market like this.
“These attacks are affecting the livelihoods of our staff and traders, as well as the viability of the market itself – and our customers, at what is already a very difficult time for many of us.”
Without the float and trailers the Market cannot put up the stalls. Fortunately, some of their regular traders, including Vinny’s fruit and vegetable stall and Jamie’s fish van, plus Debbie’s eggs and Graham (watch repairs), have already confirmed that they will still be attending.
Since taking over the market Buxton Markets CiC has steadily built the market up with last year’s Christmas Market being was one of the best ever.
The market now employs a number of staff and has helped a several local businesses to start up. It also provides stalls for the May Day Fair and other similar town events.
Tim said: “This is our seventh year running the market and we have never been attacked like this before. It is very upsetting for everyone involved.”
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