George Henry,Gleaner Writer

SPALDINGS, Clarendon:

Vendors who usually sell in the municipal market in the rural township of Spaldings, Clarendon, have been forced to trade their wares on the sidewalks in that fast developing town.

The vendors, many of whom have been selling in the facility for over 30 years, have been forced so to do so, as the more than 60 year-old market has been demolished. The demolition followed the closure of the facility by the Clarendon Parish Council more than three years ago due to its unsightly state.

The old structure has been knocked down by workmen who are making preparations for the construction of a modern facility. The entrance has been closed off to prevent persons other than those working on the site from entering.

Traffic congestion

But all this has taken place without the necessary preparations to have vendors relocated to an area where they can ply their trade lawfully. The vendors who are now selling on the recently constructed sidewalks in the small town encouraged by the brisk sales, are now contributing to the long-standing problem of traffic congestion.

The occupancy of the sidewalks by the vendors means that pedestrians are now forced to compete for space with vehicles, putting their lives at risk. This is in addition to the recently installed traffic lights in the centre of the small town by the National Works Agency, which limits the walking space on the roadway.

When The Gleaner contacted Member of Parliament for the area, Richard Azan, who is also the Minister of State for Works, he pointed out that plans are being made to have the vendors relocated to a facility which was being used as a taxi stand in the town and which is owned by his political colleague and Spaldings businessman Paul Lyn. Mr. Lyn is the People's National Party candidate for the North East Manchester seat.

Green light for relocation

Mr. Azan said he has held talks with Mr. Lyn to have the vendors temporarily relocated to theold taxi stand, and the green light has been given for them to go there. Once the vendors are relocated to the area, the MP said no selling will be permitted on the sidewalks.

In the meantime, checks with a number of vendors on the sidewalks revealed that they are experiencing better business selling there.

Ground was broken for the construction of the new market on February 19. It is expected to cost in excess of $12 million and the work should last four to six months.