Stallholders at Market Village in the One Stop Shopping center in Birmingham have been unable to access their goods since they were locked out on Friday after being told that the firm running it had gone out of business. Traders claim that they were given just hours to leave. The company in question, Perry Barr Market Properties, is currently insolvent but not yet in liquidation. According to Cowgills, an accountancy firm, they have been engaged to help the directors take action toward putting the firm into a creditors’ voluntary liquidation.
Samantha Small, who has been a stallholder at the market for 20 years, said that she had over £10,000 worth of products and equipment in the site and that she needs that stock to try and generate income as the company undergoes restructuring. Similarly, Roy Kumari, who sold bags and luggage on the site, said that he had arrived on Monday to pick up his goods but was told that the invitation had been cancelled. It is unclear when the traders will have access to their stock again.
The news has caused concern to both traders and patrons, and at present, traders are due to meet with Birmingham Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood on Tuesday. One Stop Shopping, which operates the center where Market Village was located, stated that the “unforeseen event undoubtedly left both traders and patrons with questions and concerns,” but that they were “diligently working to address the situation and will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.” It is unclear as of yet whether any rescue plan will be available for the embattled firm.
Traders have voiced concern over their predicament, noting that they may be forced to turn to food banks if the situation persists. Others, like Dal Bains, have expressed the hope that a new company will take over Market Village. In the meantime, the situation remains unresolved, and it is unclear when the traders will be able to retrieve their goods from the site
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