Chronicle steps in to save Chester market trader from closure

Jun 4 2009 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

A MARKET trader has been saved from closure – thanks to The Chronicle.

Mario Mandrallis, who owns Sophie’s Cakes on Chester Market, approached us on Tuesday after receiving a high court notice warning that bailiffs would be closing his store within days over an unpaid legal bill.

The bill was run up after the former Chester City Council advised traders to hire solicitors to sign contracts for the new market hall as part of the Northgate development.

Councillors assured traders that their legal fees would be paid whether or not the development went ahead.

Mario, along with nine others, formed a consortium to reduce the cost but the council refused to pay up – leaving them with a total bill of £2,158.

After The Chronicle got in touch with the new Cheshire West and Chester Council – which replaced the former authority – they agreed to pay up, saving each trader £215 and keeping the bailiffs from the door.

Councillor Mike Jones, CWaC leader, said: “We were totally unaware of this unfortunate situation until The Chronicle approached us on Tuesday.

“Whatever agreement was reached took place at a time when the original Northgate scheme wasŠstill a strong possibility.

“The situation has moved on and we appreciate theŠdifficult position certain market tradersŠnow find themselves in.

“In these circumstances the sensible and pragmaticŠsolution is for the new authority to payŠthe outstandingŠbill.”

Mario said: “It has taken all this time and all these arguments and all of a sudden The Chronicle gets involved and they pay it. Thank you so much.”

Other members of the consortium were just as relieved.

Geoff Hughes, also a butcher, said: “It’s brilliant news – you have done us proud.”

Kevin Williams of The Cheese Wedge said: “It has been really stressful for those who couldn’t afford it. It’s brilliant news.”

Remon Moriss of the Market Place Cafe said: “We couldn’t have done it without The Chronicle.”

Mark Johns of Fernyhough’s was also pleased, but added: “It was disgraceful to be under that pressure when times are so hard and people are struggling.”

Butcher David Joinson said: “It would be nice if we could work together now.”