TFL and the Markets- Renaming the Dead

Transport for London, current owner of the Shepherd`s Bush markt, intends to rename by 2010 Shepherd`s Bush underground station calling it instead Shepherd`s Bush market underground station.

All of this whilst allegedly hiking the rentals for small traders by 80-120% and thus driving away many in due course.

By the time the Toffs have elevated the markets to underground status there won`t be any markets left in London. They`ll all have become shopping malls.

So, TFL, how about Shepherd`s Bush Mall underground station?

True is true.

The Mayor`s Advisory Committe on London`s Markets

This very necessary and vital committee could be doing a great deal for London`s ailing markts; but all they seem to want to do is 1) go over terrain such as rogue trading which actually is within the remit of the local markets and councils and 2) invade the private sector by way of promoting the markets themselves. Never mind that those of us who have been doing this singlehandedly are accused of self-promotion when we ask for a grant or some funding.

Actually, the whole thing got off to a bad start when the Chairperson apologised for having booked the meeting for 1:30pm (when most of the traders were hard at work and could not take time off) Still....

The real issue, and stumbling block I might add, is that by way of the Markets Act 1994, borough councils are legally entitled to privatise. And it is this privatization which is eroding the working-class character of the markets; upping the prices; and doing street traders out of their livelihoods in the bargain.

It is this Markets Act 1994 which the Mayor himself must override. And we`ll see what Ken Livingstone is made of when we see what exactly he does by way of quoshing the act.

It is only then that the markets will receive a new lease of life and perhaps, and I say perhaps, can make a happier bed with the councils who seem determined to end them altogether.

`Brick Lane`- Reflective or Unrepresentative of the Market

I know that when this film was being made the Asian shopkeepers along Brick Lane protested that they were unfairly depicted in Monica Ali`s book and did not want the film to do the same thing.

Has anyone seen it?

Does it accurately reflect the Brick Lane market?


Let`s talk.

sandra_shevey@yahoo.com

`Eastern Promises`/Broadway Market, Hackney

The London Fields cum Broadway market in Hackney is the focal point of `Eastern Promises`, the film which opens this year`s London Film Festival.

The market itself has seen many changes not the least of which is the foodie market which supplants many of the old, established businesses.

I have personally witnessed some of the pie and mash shop owners weeping whilst their restaurants sit empty as tourists make for the foodie stalls in the Broadway market.

So let`s have a wander around the Broadway market? I`ll tell you lots about the changes and current state of affairs.


Booking at sandra_shevey@yahoo.com

Your Market Memories

Want to hear `em too.

E-mail me.

Stuff Going On at the Borough Week of 15 October 2007

There`s alot going on at the Borough this week by way of tasters and freebees. Anyone wanting the `inside track` should contact me with regard to making a booking. Otherwise, you`re on your own. Enjoy!

Sandra`s London Market Walks

We`ve been running walks around London`s ancient markets for the past 17 years. We now profile 7 markets and run sunrise as well as late nite walks around the precincts. We also do some London market film location walks. You can get the full inventory of our walks by accessing www.geocities.com/sandra_shevey/classic_tan3.html


See ya.

Queries about London`s ancient markets

Part of the point of this blog is to engage in discourse about London`s ancient markets. So in addition to the rants, the raves and the agenda of goings-on in and around the markets, I`d like to hear your questions and queries?

E-mail me pls at sandra_shevey@yahoo.com