Burnley gym owner Michelle Williamson 'fuming' after Burnley Council charge her to host Christmas market to raise funds for Pendleside Hospice

And charity champion Michelle Williamson was also told she would have to pay a £100 fee to boot, in line with a market licensing policy granted in 1294!

A big supporter of the hospice, Michelle has raised thousands of pounds for the charity and this Sunday a Christmas market at her gym, Shell’s Fitness in Harle Syke, will again raise vital funds. Each of the 15 stall holders have paid £15 to take part and this will be put into the pot for the hospice. They have also donated several prizes for a tombola that will also raise funds for the hospice.

Michelle said: “I understand that Burnley Council has a policy in place to protect market traders but this event is being held on a Sunday, when the market is not even open.

“One of the stalls is a teenage girl selling bracelets and another a 15-year-old boy who has hand-made wooden Christmas trees as he wants to be a joiner. They are hardly a threat to anyone’s livelihood. This seems very unfair and draconian when this is a charity event and the money I have to pay the council should rightfully be going towards our hospice.”

A council spokesperson said: "The market in question falls under the council’s Markets Licensing Policy, which ensures that all market events comply with necessary standards, including safety, fairness, and the avoidance of economic detriment to established traders. As part of this policy, a fee is applied to cover administrative costs".

"The council are in discussions with the organiser of this market to reach an agreement that ensures a consistent and fair approach to the application of the policy. In the meantime we wish the event every success".