July 23, 2020 12.16 pm This story is over 44 months old

Two new fruit and veg stalls coming to Lincoln Central Market

The first stall opens at the end of the month
Nathan Willows Fresh Produce (pictured) and longstanding trader Kristian Roberts will open fruit and vegetable stalls in Lincoln Central Market this summer.

Two new fruit and vegetable stalls will open in Lincoln Central Market this summer as a new era begins after the uproar of a former tenant’s eviction.

City of Lincoln Council said that alongside longstanding trader Kristian Roberts, Nathan Willows Fresh Produce will take up stalls 51 and 52, after S Sharpe & Daughter Fruit and Veg, was evicted in July after disagreements over the size of his stall.

Kristian Roberts currently trades outside on City Square. He will move into the vacant space, which Steve Sharpe spent four years in, with an additional stall inside the Central Market from Tuesday, July 28.

Nathan Willows Fresh Produce will join the established trader in a space near to the new Eco shop on August 3.

Nathan Willows Fresh Produce will start trading from August 3.

The city council said: “Nathan Willows Fresh Produce will bring a slightly different offer to the market, including a chiller unit and a focus on ecological trading and minimal plastic use – something that council strives for under its Climate Change priority.”

Steve Sharpe, owner of S Sharpe & Daughter Fruit and Veg. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Meanwhile, Steve Sharpe and his daughter Beth have kept busy since being evicted from the market by doing home deliveries and jobs on their farm. They thanked people for their support after over 4,500 signed a petition to try and stop the eviction.

Simon Walters, Director for Communities and Environment, had said the city council fully understands the public reaction to the cancellation of Mr Sharpes’ licence to trade in the market.

However, due to legal constraints, it was “unable to give a full, clear explanation of the reasons behind our action, other than to state that the city council expects all market traders to abide by the requirements of their licence agreement”.