A TRADER has been banned from a market after complaints from other stallholders – a decision she says is unfair.

Elaine Brophy traded on the outdoor Accrington Market for 12 years selling jewellery.

But after 'a disagreement' with the market management, she received a letter telling her she was banned for life.

Market bosses say they acted after numerous complaints from other traders about Elaine's behaviour and an incident in which she shouted at a market employee.

She said: “I just can’t believe I have been kicked off the market – I think it is unfair.

“I have not had a chance to explain my side of the story.

“I don’t feel like I have ever created problems with other traders and this came as a big shock.”

Elaine, 57, who also trades on other markets in the North West, said the issues in Accrington began in September when she was paying £20 for her stall on the market and claims she found out that other traders were able to ‘share stalls’ and each pay £10.

She and her neighbouring stall said they would like to do the same and Elaine approached the market management who told her this was not possible.

Elaine said she was then sent a barrage of texts from other traders, with one saying that her enquiry had meant they had lost their £10 share deal.

Elaine put in complaint after, she said, some stallholders came up to her stall and shouted at her.

On December 16, one trader told Elaine that she has been paying on the day for her stall, while Elaine had been informed that she had to pay a week in advance.

Elaine again approached the assistant manager of the market about the payment discrepancy and says she raised her voice as she was angered by the situation but is apologetic for this.

Five days later, Elaine received a letter from the market manager telling her she was banned from the market, a decision which she believes is unfair.

She added: “When something last happened on the market it took three weeks for the traders to be dealt with and they were just asked to ignore me – in my case I had a lifetime ban.

“I want to apologise for shouting, it was wrong, but I want to be able to explain my point of view.

“I loved trading on Accrington Market – I got on well with the customers and many of the other traders so this is deeply upsetting.”

A spokesperson for Hyndburn Borough Council said: “There is a thriving and friendly community of traders at Accrington Market and Hyndburn Borough Council are committed to maintaining this atmosphere alongside ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our officers.

“We expect officers and fellow traders to be treated with respect at all times.

“Aggression, abuse, or unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated.

“After numerous complaints from traders and concerns raised by staff about the unacceptable behaviour of an individual trader action was taken and the decision was made to not permit future trading on the market.”