http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/essex/6048520.stm

Last Updated: Friday, 13 October 2006, 16:25 GMT 17:25 UK  
 
Lord of Manor threatens traders

A man who bought the title of Lord of the Manor for an Essex town says
he is evicting the market traders. 

Thaxted market stallholder John Perry bought the title five years ago
and became the market's landlord. 

He wants to evict stallholders in the town who are refusing to pay their
rent to him. 

The traders have said they will not pay him until he proves his ancient
rights, but Uttleford District Council has said his papers appear to be
genuine. 

It said the council's legal department had been in communication with Mr
Perry and had seen the paperwork. 

The title gives him the powers to opt out of a local payment and the
right to enforce rent. 

Traders have been withholding their rent because they claim Mr Perry is
using his manorial powers to escape payment of duties to the town. 

Before acquiring his title Mr Perry who ran the market paid a donation
to Thaxted Parish Council. 

After acquiring the title he opted out of paying the council rent. 

Mr Perry said he now planned to remove the current traders and install
an alternative market. 
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LOL! Don't you just love it? You couldn't make it up!

But I bet the local council are really peeved that Mr Perry's legal
position appears to be watertight.
-- 
Mr X