Council opposition to an Epping fruit and vegetable trader constitutes an ‘unfair attack on a small business’, a councillor has said.

Epping Forest District councillor Holly Whitbread has launched a campaign to support the fruit and vegetable stall in the Duke of Wellington pub car park in its bid to secure a permanent trading license.

Earlier this year, the stall was temporarily closed down following a complaint from Epping Town Council.

The town council argues the stall is unfair competition to the Epping Monday Market – operated by the town council – However, Kenny, who runs the stall, has agreed not to open on Mondays.

Disappointed by the complaint, Tory district councillors successfully lobbied the licensing department to allow Kenny to continue trading temporarily without a license.

Over lockdown his stall has become a hit with town residents who use the stall for essential shopping.

Kenny has now decided to submit a permanent application to allow him to stay in the car park.

Epping Town Council has objected to his licensing bid, meaning the case has to be formally heard by the district council’s licensing committee on Tuesday, April 6.

Cllr Holly Whitbread said, “The town council’s objection is nonsensical. It is an unfair attack on a small business. Kenny, the stall holder, has agreed not to trade on a Monday - so he will not be in direct competition with the Monday Market.

“Kenny is providing essential products and is just trying to make an honest living at this difficult time. The stall is very popular and a welcome edition to the town.

“I am encouraging local people to show their support to the fruit and veg stall and ask Epping Town Council to withdraw their objection.”

As of writing, Cllr Whitbread's petition to show 'local support' for the stall has secured more than 400 signatures: https://www.change.org/p/epping-town-council-support-the-duke-of-wellington-stall-epping?recruiter=364989148&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=share_for_starters_page&utm_medium=whatsapp&utm_content=washarecopy_27824093_en-GB%3A0&recruited_by_id=337b65b0-481b-11e5-af57-6ddac4bbbecf&fbclid=IwAR3JlBxgmEAuHN1AbriesA8YTxAKPefNy4g2ooT6lq_fIb-5EX4mEfd_gUw

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