PADDY'S TRADERS SET TO PROTEST OUTSIDE COUNCIL MEETING

The market, which has been in existence in some form or other since 1870, has been providing low cost goods to Glasgow's poorest communities. It was established by Irish immigrants and now is used by many of Glasgow's refugees and asylum seekers. Several of the traders can trace their own families' connections with the market back over five generations.

Brian Daly, whose grandmother started up a clothing stall in Paddy's, said: "We recognise that there have been problems with Paddy's, in fact in many cases we have been trying to highlight these issues ourselves. But the majority of us are law-abiding citizens who are trying to make a living in these tough times.

For a Labour administration to turn its back on Paddy's, which has been a feature of Glasgow working class life for 150 years, and which is recognised the world over, is a disgrace."

It is thought that the SNP will be tabling an amendment to ensure that the council attempts to negotiate new leases for the existing tenants before it takes overall control.

Craig Mackay, SNP councillor for ward 10, which includes Paddy's Market, said that he would be supporting the traders and said:

"Legitimate businesses in Paddy's Market provide employment for a significant number of people, and it's not the Council's job to put these out of business. Traders must be given the opportunity to negotiate new sub-lets with the council before their leases with Network Rail are terminated. This way they could remain in their premises rather than being turfed out on the street"

About 5000 people have signed a petition which has been at Paddy's and hundreds more have signed an online petition.

Also supporting the traders tomorrow morning will be Silje Eirin Aure, a local film maker whose film, Four Fur A Fiver about Paddy's is being shown this month in Oslo and London.

For information contact Caroline Weintz on 07717 326 919