THE leader of the city council has hit out over the lack of progress in developing a city centre site.
The lease for Sneinton Market had been with Sneinton Market Development Ltd for the last decade until recently, when responsibility was passed to receivers Pyle Owen.
The Post reported on Wednesday that traders were angry over lack of progress with the site and areas outside their shops becoming unsightly, ridden with rubbish and dead rats.
Now, Councillor Jon Collins is calling on the receiver of the market to stand aside so the council can sort out the area.
And on Wednesday, in response to traders' concerns, the council sent out cleaning teams to, despite the upkeep not being in their usual control.
Councillor Jon Collins said: "We are disappointed at the lack of progress on redeveloping Sneinton Market. The only significant improvements at the Market have been those done by Nottingham City Council with the £10m investment in the Leisure Centre and European funding in the Market itself.
"The council has secured European funding, in principle, for further redevelopment of Sneinton Market and is trying to secure the freehold from the Receiver to allow this to happen. So far the Receiver has refused to co-operate."
Mr Collins claimed that the actions of the Receiver could even jeopardise the future of the businesses that are tenants of the market.
Councillor Collins added: "I believe it's now time for the Receiver to step aside and to stop blocking the Council's efforts to redevelop Sneinton Market and support the Council's efforts.
"It's disappointing that despite the efforts of the Council, the Receiver wants to block the kind of redevelopment of Sneinton Market everybody wants to see.
"We are having to step in because it seems like there is no private sector alternative and I'm calling on the receiver to stand aside and let us get on with the job".
The city council wants to regenerate the area into a hub for creative industries, incubator businesses and independent entrepreneurs.
Barry Hayman, the owner of Hayman Graphics, who spoke out about the situation to the Post welcomed the council's comments.
He said: "Some time ago the council had an exhibition at the Victoria Leisure Centre and we all thought the plans were very positive."
He added: "We'd be delighted to move forward with their plans."
David Beckwith, who runs the PC Doctor shop on the site said: "It is a good thing, we need it doing. People have felt helpless - we can't rely on anybody and we can't pay so we need the council's help."
He added: "We're backing the council's plan - something needs to happen - as long as there is consultation."
The receiver, Pyle Owen, which has responsibility for managing the market buildings, occupiers and surroundings did not wish to comment.
