Market traders distraught over Downham Market council's decision to revoke their licences after row in meeting last week

There were tears at the Downham Market square today after two long standing market traders discovered that the council intended to revoke their licences.

Following a council meeting last week that erupted into chaos the Mayor Jenny Groom released a statement stating "Two licensees have consistently, over a period of time,significantly breached the terms of this license."

Betty Moyses, who's fruit and vegetable stall has been in Downham for 58 years is "part of her family" and was started by her grandfather.

Mrs Moyses said: "We haven't even been served our formal notice, but were informed after the meeting we had lost our licences to trade.

"My grandfather started this stall and I've been here for 32 years, it's my livelihood and I don't know what I'm going to do."

Belinda Leach, who owns a pet food stall, is also facing the loss of her trade.

Through tears she said: "My brother Tony spoke up at the last meeting, but it's my stall and I hold the licence.I'm so upset about this, it's my family's legacy and history."

Mr Leach posed a question to the council about the market in the last meeting, which was a catalyst for the row.

He claimed that market traders has "lost their freedom of speech".

Miss Leach, who's uncle John Leach was Mayor of Downham, has also had her stall for over 30 years.

She said: "Downham is my home town and I can't trade here, it doesn't seem right."

"The press release from the council said: "Having taken advice from the National Association of British Market Authorities (UK) NABMA and from our solicitor the Market Strategy Group has had no option but to revoke two licenses.

"Formal notice will be given to the traders concerned. Any other licensee who continues to break terms of the licence will likewise have their licence terminated.

"The Town Council supports a strong vibrant market at the heart of our town and will work closely with the other market traders to ensure a successful future."

Councillor John Doyle said: "As far as I know the licences can't be removed without a full council meeting taking place, and the strategy meeting can't make any decisions."

There was outrage among the public about the decision.

One Downham resident said: "It's their lives, and it's been taken away over a dispute it's not right, these people have been here for years."

Another said: "I can vouch for the reputation of the traders, the market is becoming a mess because of all the regulations imposed by the council making it difficult."

After the meeting last week gained attention it was noted that the clerk Elaine Oliver was visibly shaken after the spat, and the police were called.

Councillor Becky Hayes said clearly : "We are calling the police".

Another councillor could be heard saying "You are a licence holder Mrs Moyses" on more than one occasion.

Watch the full meeting here: