A SNACK seller has branded market management as "spiteful" after giving up his fight to place tables and chairs around his mobile stall.

Geoff Hindle, who has worked from his van outside Darwen market for more than 20 years, was the toast of the town when he placed patio furniture around the vehicle during the hot summer months.

But after asking the council for permission, market inspectors insisted Mr Hindle pay £40 a week for providing the chairs, which the trader believes are a service to the community, not a commercial advantage.

And despite a 1,000 signature petition from locals, the council has held firm, leaving Mr Hindle no choice but to give up.

He told the Citizen: "It was like banging my head against a brick wall. They just don't care about Darwen any more.

"The people of Darwen wanted these chairs, people were saying they made the town centre more attractive and bus drivers told me people were staying in the town longer.

"But this isn't good enough for the council. Instead, they charge me £40 a week and that isn't profitable for me. To the best of my knowledge, I am the only trader in the country who has to pay these charges."

Mr Hindle added: "I even offered to give a token amount to a local Darwen charity but that wasn't good enough. I am sure if I was working in Blackburn there wouldn't be this trouble.

"Blackburn Council doesn't seem to care about traders any more."

Darwen councillor Paul Browne said: "I am disgusted at the way Mr Hindle has been treated.

"It is just typical of Blackburn Council. Mr Hindle's tables and chairs would have been a wonderful addition to the community."

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