Mayor Boris Johnson has stepped in to help save Seven Sisters historic market from demolition.

Mr Johnson has called on Haringey Council to reconsider its proposals to redevelop Wards Corner, a project that will wipe out Pueblito Paisa market.

'Unacceptable'

The Mayor called the plans 'unacceptable' and the council would 'pull down the market and only offer space to a handful of people'. He demanded an 'urgent review'.

Local markets and independent traders are living with their backs to the wall as big chains open up smaller 'metro' stores and operate on 'loss leaders' and unfair economies of scale. Pressures include huge rent hikes by unscrupulous landlords and councils keen to cash in on the land value, ignoring trader’s contribution to the community.

Antique trading in Camden Passage in Angel, Islington is a recent example of a historic independent thoroughfare being squeezed to death by these pressures. Only against a groundswell of public opposition to council proposals was the planning application to demolish the last remaining arcade refused.

Importance

Boris recalled how he was impressed by a recent visit and stressed the importance of the market to the local Latin American community. He called on Haringey Council to:

"...put the livelihood of the traders and the thousands of locals who rely on this market at the core of their decision.”