Dalston Market Traders Defy Eviction by Physically Blocking Shutters
Traders facing displacement from an iconic Hackney market halted the building's imminent closure by refusing to leave and physically holding up the shutters to keep the indoor shopping market open. On Tuesday, March 31, traders were due to vacate the Ridley Road indoor market in Dalston but resisted the closure at the end of the day, with police called out to mediate the tense standoff.
Landlord's Decision and Police Warning
The private landlord of the indoor market, offshore developer Larochette Real Estate, has refused to renew the leases for all its traders. This decision came after the Metropolitan Police issued a Community Protection Warning to the owner in February, citing concerns over drug use, drug supply, violent offences, and antisocial behaviour. Larochette announced the entire building would be forced shut when the current traders' leases expired, though the Met has confirmed it did not recommend this action.
A spokesperson for Larochette stated this move was to "draw a line under historic challenges". The landlord claims that traders not involved in antisocial behaviour or behind on rent can return. A new website created by Rainbow Properties, representing Larochette, indicates the market will reopen in June 2026 and invites potential traders to apply, showing eight units already reserved.
Traders' Resistance and Community Support
However, many traders seek a firmer commitment, given a history of evictions from the building and the landlord's previously failed plans to convert it into luxury flats. Dan Hayward from campaign group Save Ridley Road told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "Those who were told they were allowed to come back were given no firm timeline, so the promise seemed quite notional."
The group has warned of the severe financial impact on traders' livelihoods and criticized the landlord's decision as "collective punishment". As private security guards arrived to shutter the building, some traders decided to stay put inside until they received a written guarantee of return. Protesters, including activists from Save Ridley Road and London Renters Union, joined in solidarity, leading to a confrontation.
Police Intervention and Outcome
Police and community support officers arrived but faced further resistance from campaigners. Eventually, police and security teams left the area with the building still open, as traders and supporters celebrated. Hayward noted that although blocking the shutdown was "not necessarily planned", it increased pressure on the landlord to communicate with traders. Some shopkeepers were still trading the following morning.
Council Involvement and Future Plans
Unlike the wider Ridley Road street market, Hackney Council has no direct control over the indoor market. However, in 2022, the council agreed to take over the lease after a refurbishment, though work has never been completed. Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley, has pledged to hold the landlord to its promise to invest in the building and welcome back "responsible" traders. The council is supporting affected traders with discounted street market pitches and alternative premises.
A Met spokesperson said police and the council had advised the landlord to close "a number of units to address crime and antisocial behaviour concerns". The police warning follows a raid three years prior where six men were arrested on suspicion of drug offences and five over knife possession, though the Met did not confirm if any traders were charged.
Shopkeeper Wayne Thompson, who has traded at Ridley Road for over 20 years, expressed frustration: "I don't think they're doing it the right way." He said he was given no warning of the closure order and felt "run around like a kid", describing the market as a "peaceful place". The incident highlights ongoing tensions between development interests and community preservation in East London.
