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Market traders hit with shout ban Market traders hit with shout ban
(20 minutes later)
Shouting market traders in Northumberland have been told to "keep the noise" down because they are too loud for surrounding businesses. Shouting market traders in Northumberland have been told to "keep the noise down" because they are too loud for surrounding businesses.
Stallholders have gathered in Hexham since 1239 to sell their wares at traditional open markets.Stallholders have gathered in Hexham since 1239 to sell their wares at traditional open markets.
But Tynedale Council has told traders to turn down the volume after complaints from some town centre firms.But Tynedale Council has told traders to turn down the volume after complaints from some town centre firms.
Stallholders have condemned the move as "absolutely ridiculous" and warned takings may suffer.Stallholders have condemned the move as "absolutely ridiculous" and warned takings may suffer.
Council officials acted after three firms in Hexham's market square clamed they could not conduct meetings because of the shouts of sellers.Council officials acted after three firms in Hexham's market square clamed they could not conduct meetings because of the shouts of sellers.
Markets are held in the town six days a week, with the most popular days being Tuesday and Saturday. Shouting is part of the colour and vibrancy of markets and creates a lot of jollity and banter Carolyn RidleyMarkets are held in the town six days a week, with the most popular days being Tuesday and Saturday. Shouting is part of the colour and vibrancy of markets and creates a lot of jollity and banter Carolyn Ridley
Philip Hindmarsh, head of waste and transport management at Tynedale Council, said: "After receiving complaints from nearby businesses about the level of noise from market traders at particular times, we felt that we had to officially ask the operators if they would tone this down.Philip Hindmarsh, head of waste and transport management at Tynedale Council, said: "After receiving complaints from nearby businesses about the level of noise from market traders at particular times, we felt that we had to officially ask the operators if they would tone this down.
"We must stress that we appreciate that calling out is part of the standard practice on markets, but we had to agree with people working in the area that on some occasions this has gone beyond what is felt to be reasonable."We must stress that we appreciate that calling out is part of the standard practice on markets, but we had to agree with people working in the area that on some occasions this has gone beyond what is felt to be reasonable.
"We talked directly to the traders about this on a number of occasions before sending this letter, which is not asking them to stop calling, only to reduce the volume and frequency of the calling.""We talked directly to the traders about this on a number of occasions before sending this letter, which is not asking them to stop calling, only to reduce the volume and frequency of the calling."
But Carolyn Ridley, who runs a fish stall in the market, said: "This is absolutely ridiculous. There's nothing left in this country anymore.But Carolyn Ridley, who runs a fish stall in the market, said: "This is absolutely ridiculous. There's nothing left in this country anymore.
"Shouting is part of the colour and vibrancy of markets and creates a lot of jollity and banter."Shouting is part of the colour and vibrancy of markets and creates a lot of jollity and banter.
"This is not an offensive activity and perhaps these firms should have thought about where they were buying their premises before complaining.""This is not an offensive activity and perhaps these firms should have thought about where they were buying their premises before complaining."