No return to Place du 14-Juillet for Friday market traders in Béziers

Le maire Robert Ménard s’est adressé aux quelque 70 à 80 commerçants réunis. Midi Libre – Mélissa Alcoléa

Some 70 to 80 traders from the Friday market met at the Palais des Congrès this Thursday, May 16, with the mayor of Béziers Robert Ménard. Initial objective: to advance an issue that has been stalling for months, that of their return to the city center… hellip; The possibility of returning to Place du 14-Juillet was finally ruled out. And everyone will still have to wait.

"We are here to find a solution", says Julien Berber, one of some 70 to 80 traders from the Friday market, present this Thursday, May 16, at the convention center. "The mayor proposed this meeting, we're all here." For several months, they have been demanding, in scattered order, a return to the Place du 14- July where the food sellers live. As they sit in front of the Raoul-Barrière stadium… hellip; "We all lost between 60 and 80 % of turnover", insists Julien Berber. Some have also deserted this market, due to lack of profitability.

"Return (on the Place du 14-Juillet Editor’s note) it’is possible , if around forty people are designated. There can't be more. And it's not free every Friday: for about 5 and a half months of the year, the site is busy due to various events", Robert Ménard clearly blurted out in front of the audience. "No problem if you decide who comes. But after a while, get fed up", warns the chosen one. "So if you’aren't able to agree on the rules, we stop, that's enough."

"I really like the edge of the canal, the Port-Neuf quay"

The oldest ? The union members ? The Biterrois ? The most diligent who have contributed to maintaining the market for 3 years ? The most qualitative ? The City of Béziers asks traders to reach an agreement among themselves. A task that they consider "difficult" between "colleagues". "Why not establish specifications ?", suggests a historic trader. "We will never agree, it’s impossible, says this professional, so why not hold a draw on Friday morning, as is done in Montpellier ? " "And why not an installation on the Paul-Riquet avenues ?", launches another. "I work, I don't complain", Bernard slips, far from being unanimous. "The problem is that customers don't come there anymore, it’s far away!", balance as for this other trader. Reactions and comments are pouring in. Until this proposition which seems to catch everyone’s attention: "I’like a lot the side of the canal, Quai Port Neuf, it’s very attractive, a stone's throw from the Polygone, you can get there on foot from the center -city, and there is also parking nearby. Or in front of the hospital."

"We need to find another site"

"I am ready to study everything", assures Robert Ménard. Even if work is about to begin on the canal side, in this future dynamic district. Despite the insistence of some on the linear potential of the Place du 14-Juillet, the ushers remain categorical: "You have to choose 40 people and that’s unmanageable. Furthermore, you lose one market in two. We need to find another site."

A hubbub takes over the room. The first magistrate intends to conclude: "We abandon the idea of ​​who will choose whom (on the Place du 14-Juillet Editor’s note) ; while you find a solution, you decide whether you stay where you are or move 50 meters under the shade. Finally, we are considering other places and we will come back to you." The merchants vote by show of hands to remain in front of the stadium. Back to square one. "We can already see the light", we hear in the room. "We don’go any further than that", believes on the contrary, a man. Upon leaving the room, discussions continue. "What we want is consideration", insists this man. "We don’not have too many results. It was a bit messy. Finding another place can be done but when ?", asks Julien Berber, disappointed. It's too early to answer, Robert Ménard told him in substance. To be continued.

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