A petition calling for the scrapping of plans to “privatise” one of central London’s oldest street markets will be considered at a public meeting of Westminster council’s cabinet on Monday.
Campaigners including Joanna Lumley have amassed more than 36,000 signatures in support of traders at Berwick Street Market in Soho, which dates back to 1778.
They oppose Westminster’s plan to hand management of the market to a private operator and hope to reach 100,000 signatures, enough to trigger a debate in Parliament.
Robin Smith, chairman of Berwick Street Traders Society, said: “The Soho community has made its feelings loud and clear through consultations, meetings, the society and petition, with vocal support from Joanna Lumley, yet we are being roundly ignored.”
A report prepared ahead of the cabinet meeting recommends the petition be “noted” but concludes the council is “resolved to continue the process for the selection of a market operator”.
Daniel Astaire, cabinet member for housing, regeneration, business and economic development, said: “Finding a skilled and experienced operator will help us make sure that Berwick Street Market can be enjoyed by many generations to come.”
