Fury as market called off over ‘bad weather’

Due to a weather warning the council shut down the market for the day though the heavy rain and strong winds forecast didn’t materialise.

The ‘MAIL’ understands several traders who received the call to ‘abandon shop’ were far from happy. One public representative said the decision to cancel the market was “totally unacceptable”.

DUP MLA Stephen Moutray said: “I was extremely disappointed to see that there was no market last week on what was a very pleasant Thursday morning.

“My understanding is that council took a decision not to hold market based on a possible yellow weather warning.

“I think this is totally unacceptable given that continuity is of paramount importance when trying to get a new market established in the area.

“If Lurgan market is to succeed customers need to know that it will be in position every Thursday except in the most exceptional circumstances. I was in Lurgan last Thursday and the weather in no way warranted the cancellation of the weekly market. I will be conveying my disappointment to council and seeking assurances that such a rash decision will not be taken in the future.”

A council spokesperson said: “Lurgan Market co-ordinator made the decision based on Met Office information presented specifically for Lurgan the day before.

“The market co-ordinator monitored the Met Office weather forecast and in line with procedures, made a decision at 3pm to allow plenty of time to inform traders of the market being cancelled.

“All traders who didn’t trade received a credit, with a week’s trading being rolled forward on to their stall/vehicle hire and no complaints have been received from any trader.”