Lib Dems councillors in Crouch End have condemned the action by Haringey Councilin confiscating Gerry the Bookman’s stall of books, outside BudgensSupermarket, The Broadway, Crouch End, N8. Council Officers are believed tohave swooped on his bookstall on Saturday afternoon.

Mr Ingram has been selling books for many years and proved a popularattraction to most locals. Haringey Council has recently been granted powerto remove traders who are pitching on private land adjacent to highways toallow free passage for pedestrians.In recent months many new traders haveappeared and in some cases have been ‘stalling out’ on the public footpath.

Haringey Lib Dems, while not supporting illegal trading, feel that Mr Ingramhas demonstrated widespread support and a willingness to keep his stallclean and tidy and off the public footpath. A way should therefore be foundfor him to continue trading.

Cllr Ron Aitken is writing to the freeholder of the propertyasking that Mr Ingram be given named permission to occupy his current pitch.If this is forthcoming Cllr Aitken says this should help satisfy Haringey’slicensing department.

Cllr. Aitken (Crouch End) comments:

“It’s a shame that this saga has nowescalated. A co-operative solution, which would have allowed Gerry to staycan be found, which at the same time stops the ‘cowboy’ stalls. I hope thatby getting permission from the leaseholder, Gerry will be able to restarthis book stall legally on the Broadway.”