HAVERING Borough Council could slog it out with its Essex neighbour in a court of law – with the future of its ancient market at the centre of the fight.
The scene could soon be set for a heavyweight legal battle between Brentwood and Havering councils – both insisting they have the right to operate large markets close to each other with evidence from medieval charters granted to each by the King 800 years ago.
Romford has warned Brentwood – wanting to enlarge its own street market – that it is not afraid to go to court to close down any competition wanting to operate within a "day's sheep drive" of the market.
It has already invoked its market charter – granted to it by King Henry III in 1247 to stop other markets setting up within six-and-two-thirds miles of the market square.
Brentwood falls within that radius, but thanks to its own recently discovered market charter – granted by the same Plantagenet king 20 years before Romford was given theirs – the fight might yet be on.
That has not stopped Havering from warning off Brentwood, which said in a council agenda it will use its own charter to "establish its right to hold a street market in the light of Havering's challenge to any neighbouring markets".
Brentwood is keen to develop its street market, held in the High Street, and has written to stallholders inviting them to trade in the town.
The charter provides "a very sound foundation to improve and develop our street market offer," the council agenda states.
Havering says it is all speculative – arguing rights under a charter can be lost through being abandoned due to lack of use.
Havering councillor Robert Benham, cabinet member for community empowerment, said: "We are very proud of our market, and it attracts visitors from miles around.
"The charter we have is over 800 years old and held by the British Library. We will use our charter rights to stop other markets being set up in the area it covers."
Tony Geary, chairman of the Romford branch of the National Market Traders' Federation, said: "I know that Romford takes its market very seriously.
"We have used the charter in the past to defend our right to be the only market within six and two-thirds miles.
"I also know of Brentwood market and their plans for their street market. But I don't think it will come to the point of getting into a legal fight with Brentwood. I am sure we can live with each other."
Clive Othen, chairman of Brentwood Chamber of Commerce who tracked down the charter, said: "Not quite sure when the last Brentwood to Romford sheep drive took place but we suspect that due to the quality of Brentwood sheep stock and their good weight, such a hazardous drive could take longer than a day and a half.
"In any case Brentwood's 1227 market charter is likely to be legally superior to any later grant, and restrictive practices legislation may also now be relevant."
