TO the market managers, charging Geoff Hindle £93 per week for his ice cream van outside Darwen Market can be justified (LET June 12).

I'm convinced that these people are slowly destroying all our historic outdoor markets.

I know they have to make their wages somehow, but if I had my way they'd all be dismissed and Mr Hindle would receive a year's free rent as compensation for all the hassle they have caused him over the last 12 months.

We've had some gorgeous weather recently and I have enjoyed seeing Mr Hindle's tables and chairs with their brightly coloured umbrellas outside the Darwen markets.

Every time I go shopping, I see many people using and enjoying these facilities.

But, now, through utter stupidity and greed, we could not only loose the tables and chairs but the snack van also, as Mr Hindle cannot afford these nonsensical prices.

The market managers should come down to earth and give Mr Hindle a break and a more realistic rent increase.

JILL FISK, Blackburn Road, Darwen.

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