Ex-car boot sale organiser shares price rise fears

A FORMER car boot organiser in Gloucester fears prices could go up under its new management.

- Carmelo GARCIA

Bob Newby, who ran the Hempsted Meadows site before the coronavirus pandemic, was among the three bidders for the City Council site.

Mr Newby, who lost out in the recent bidding process which saw the lease of the site go to Capital Boot Sales, says he believes the council has not acted in the best interests of the city. However, civic chiefs say they are confident a popular car boot will be run from the site and they will ensure it is well run and open for all.

Mr Newby said: "Historically, I ran the car boot at Hempsted for six years and paid the council over £300,000 for the privilege. Thus, I can speak with a depth of knowledge about the operational capacity of the site, its unique characteristics and its limitations.

"The most recent tender was in February this year and both Reg [Daldry] and I lost out to Capital Boots Sales. Ok, so I was outbid - no contest, but for me nonetheless troubling for other reasons.

"I know better than many, just what the site can return on investment given the size. Hence my bid. If someone else thinks they can generate a greater income, it can only be from raised attendance prices, since the site is so size limited."