Market traders hit out at latest council plan to install big screen TV

TRADERS ARE annoyed that they have not been consulted over putting up a “big screen” in the indoor market in Hull.

Hull Council wants to install four screens in Trinity Market to create a single display along with 20 high-level audio speakers for events, media launches and to broadcast major sporting events.

However traders in the building, which has developed into a popular foodie haven since a £1.6m upgrade, say people can go to Wetherspoons for that.

One said: “It is completely unnecessary. These tellies are expensive. If there is money to spend it would be much better spent on putting in cash machines and improving the signage on the main entrances.”

Another said: “We have worked hard to make it an artisan market, this is reverting back to when it was Rumours (nightclub).

“It is ridiculous not consulting with traders. It’s us who will have to put up with it not the council.”

The council’s conservation officer has also advised against using them to broadcast daytime

TV or commercial radio saying it would have a “major detrimental impact” on the atmosphere of the Market Hall and conservation area.

The proposal has revived memories of Hull’s controversial Big Screen, bought in 2004 for £675,000 by the Labour council and installed in Queen Victoria Square. The original deal was signed off by two Labour councillors without cross-party discussion in a move that sparked a political storm. It was finally taken down in 2010.