As a trader of some 38 years on Epping market, I would like to address some of the issues mentioned by John Buckmaster in his letter of the week (April 3).

Firstly, it is true that the Tour coming to Epping is a great spectacle and one to be proud of. The traders were also pleased at the thought that they could be part of this event until we were told that the market would have to be cancelled due to its positioning in the High Street.

We then had brief discussions with the town council who told us that they had tried to find alternative sites, including Cottis Lane car park but to no avail. At this point, the traders wrote to the town council asking if they would support our claim, along with their own claim in getting compensation for loss of earnings. This they agreed to do and letters of support were sent to district and county council. Then, at a district council meeting, emergency planning allowing the use of Cottis Lane car park after alternative arrangements were found for local parking freed up the said car park and was offered to the town council. It then became apparent that there would be no compensation as an alternative site had been approved.

The traders were then written to by the town clerk on the Thursday of the same week stating the district councils' decision and asking the traders if they were willing to trade in said car park. We then had to give a yes or no on Monday morning without the chance or time to be able to discuss it amongst ourselves.

The fact that the overwhelming majority of traders (over 75 per cent of traders present that day) decided against moving to the Cottis Lane car park surely tells you something. Most stated that they would trade if in normal position as it would be a good publicity exercise showing the market off at its best. Any movement away from the normal site would have a detrimental effect on trade.

This has happened many times before over many years in different markets. The inference that the traders were just out to seek compensation and to get a day off is ludicrous and bourne out of ignorance. Who pays our mortgages, food etc if we don't trade?

Times are very tough at the moment and the summer months are the only time we can get any form of decent income (weather permitting!). I feel sure that the lack of passing trade will also have a detrimental effect on both the shops and market as the main bulk of people will only come to watch the race and then go home.

By using the Cottis Lane car park the traders would have to endure approximately 48 porta loos brought in for the Tour, street furniture that would be awkward to work around etc. Is this a good way to show off the famous Epping town market? It could have the adverse effect and stop people from coming in the future.

I have asked a lot of my local customers what they will be doing on the 7th. Most replied "staying indoors away from the High Street" or "I will watch race and go home". Some shop keepers I have spoken to also have reservations about the 7th. Security being a major problem along with the road closures. They, along with us, have had no contact from district council, county council or the Tour, nor have we been invited to speak on how we might be affected. They obviously know our business better than ourselves!

I suggest to you Mr Buckmaster that the decision not to work on the 7th has not been taken lightly as we will all lose money on that day whatever we do. If your last remarks about the "shops deserve to reap the rewards" as they are there every day is a snipe at the traders, well I have to tell you that I pay £3,000 to your town council for 48 days trading per year in all weathers, in conditions as extreme as minus 12 deg C and over 90 deg C, snow and rain and severe high winds. Where is the support for the market during these conditions? But then, we are only mere market traders.

Adrian Harrison, stallholder, Epping market