Le Monde | • Updated | By
Martine Aubry announced Friday, August 5 cancellation of the large market of Lille, the largest in Europe, for security reasons. The event was to take place, as every year the first weekend of September. “ I thought that if there was a death, I would like my life ,” said the Socialist Mayor of the municipality, at a press conference with the prefect of the department, Michel Lalande
Read also:. the fair of Lille canceled for safety reasons
Although security conditions have been “ revised upwards “since the bombing in Nice July 14, the perimeter of this great open-boot which covers 10 square kilometers was considered too difficult to secure two days. The event annually attracts a huge crowd of bargain hunters, onlookers and other “ bradeux ” lovers of mussels and chips and beer. “ English, Belgian and Dutch ” cross the border to attend two days, reports Sohet Claude, president of the Lille Trade Federation, crafts and services (FLCAS). In 2015, over 2.5 million people packed the streets of the city.
Gallons of beer and tons of mussels
decision to cancel this event plunges merchants and tourism professionals in embarrassment. Should we cancel? “ This is a mistake. Cancel all is give up some of our freedom , “said Thierry Grégoire, president of the branch of seasonal occupations Union trades and hospitality industries (UMIH). This regional employers responsible recalled that “ or Euro Cup, or the Tour de France have been canceled .” It would have “ Event format took a different “, he considers.
Traders and hoteliers are worried about the economic consequences of that decision. “ The fair of Lille, it is a cultural and economic event ” observes Claude Sohet. For two days, restaurateurs serve liters of beer and tons of mussels. “ Undo is an economic catastrophe ” Judge Thierry Grégoire.
According to him, Lille fair of foul, the regional hospitality industry is expected to lose a “ dozen million . ” For the days of large market will fall “ one of the first days of activity for restaurateurs who then complete 24 hours of service ,” says Norman Lacquemant, president of the Trade Union of Lille’s pedestrian area . Traders are also concerned about “ given the image of France abroad and ,” notes Thierry Grégoire.
However, several voices to demand “ respect the decision of Martine Aubry ” . During the sell-off, “ Sometimes it takes two hours to travel 100 meters,” says Norman Lacquemant. “If something happens, you imagine the carnage? ” observes that merchant of the rue de Bethune that invites all Lille traders’ look ahead “and” make the sell in their stores “3 and 4 September.
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