Commenting on the outcome of a meeting today (Thursday), arranged by SNP Councillor Craig Mackay between lease holders at Paddy’s Market and key council officers including Steve Inch, Cllr Mackay said: "I am very encouraged by the positive reception given to the Paddy’s traders. While the Council Administration previously decided to demand vacant possession of Paddy’s when they take it over, it is evident that there is now a clear willingness to co-operate with the existing traders.

"There is an understanding that forcing them to vacate their premises, even temporarily, would force most of them out of business. In the current economic climate there would be little prospect of finding new tenants, so I am glad that the Council is now moving forward with a positive attitude towards the traders.

"It is unfortunate that this position had not been reached previously, as it has meant many months of uncertainty for traders. However we need to put this all behind us and look forward to a new and reinvigorated Paddy's."

Notes:

• Today’s meeting, organised by Cllr Craig Mackay, involved Steve Inch, Executive Director, Development and Regeneration Services; Andy Young, Head of Property Development & Management – DRS;  Graham Wallace, Markets LLP; and 13 lease holders and traders from Paddy’s Market.
  
  
• City Markets LLP have commissioned a survey of the premises, to get a full picture of how the market currently operates. They will be able to develop a business plan from the outcome of the survey, based on the varied requirements of traders.
  
  
• Existing traders will be able to negotiate new terms with City Markets LLP in advance of their current leases with Network Rail expiring.