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Thatcham market goes on around Porsche




Traders are annoyed that motorists are ignoring signs and leaving their cars in the Broadway

PEOPLE visiting Thatcham market were surprised to see a Porsche apparently for sale on Friday.

The 2008 model Porsche 911 Carrera 2 S had a ‘reduced to clear' sign on it and a price tag of £6.99, but far from being the bargain of the century, the car appeared to have been left in the Broadway parking spaces overnight and not removed in time for the start of the market early the next morning, forcing the stallholder to set up around it.

Market traders have complained that cars are often left in their pitch sites and have accused West Berkshire Council of not doing enough to solve the problem.

Trader Adam Hallett, of Thatcham, said: “It's really funny to see it parked in the market.

“They just put the stall up around it.

“It's not everyday you see a car worth nearly £100,000 with a £6.99 price tag on it.”

However, the owner of the fashion stall which had been set up around the car, Mr Singh, said that it was no laughing matter.

“I couldn't get my stuff out, I've left half of it in the lorry,” he said.

“And it took me much longer to set up, because I didn't want to drop anything and damage the car.

“I paid money to be here today and I am losing trade.

“The council should have towed it away.”

His view was echoed by other stallholders, who said that cars are regularly left on site after the market starts at 7am.

Mervin Bushmell, a market butcher, said: “This happens every now and again, and if he was on my stall, I would not have been able to set up and I would have lost my entire day's earnings.

“The council should put up bigger signs.”

West Berkshire Council spokesman Phil Spray said: “The presence of the market on a Friday is clearly signposted.

“The driver received a penalty charge notice for leaving his vehicle there.

“The costs and requirements of towing a vehicle, such as having a suitable a secure compound, make it financially unviable for use against parking infringements.”

The Porsche had been moved by Saturday.



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