Legal talks between the council and the owner of the Perth Christmas Market are continuing.
Paul Leonard, of Cottage Industries Association, has threatened to sue the local authority after describing the organisation of last year’s market a “fiasco”, and stated he would not return to the Fair City as a result.
He claimed some traders who pitched up at the Perth Christmas Market “died a death” and that the loss of income he suffered “crucified” him.
As a result he has been taking legal advice regarding the matter after claiming he lost thousands of pounds during the period the market took place.
Yesterday, he told The Courier he could not comment on the situation due to the sensitivity of the matter.
The Courier understands discussions have taken place between council chiefs and Mr Leonard in a bid to resolve the situation.
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council said: “The council does not comment on ongoing legal matters.”
A councillor attempted to speak about the market at a recent meeting of Perth and Kinross Council’s enterprise and infrastructure committee, but was told that was not the correct “forum” to do so by committee convener John Kellas.
Perth Christmas Market was plagued by problems from the start when it launched a day late following complaints being raised about access to shops due to the positioning of wooden chalets.
More trouble ensued when a trader selling lock-fast knives was criticised and then complaints were made by residents after the market was dismantled overnight.
Mr Leonard had claimed traders had not been told that the location of the Christmas Market was residential and slammed a move to relocate some of the wooden chalets to St John’s Place.
He had said: “I intend to sue the council and turn it in to an action where all the other traders can sue as well.”