Derry City and Strabane District Council has the following markets: Walled City Market, held on the first Saturday of the month in the Guildhall Square Derry and the Strabane Market, held on the last Friday of the month in the Alley Theatre courtyard.
They also have traders for council’s larger events such as Halloween, Christmas, Jazz Festival and Summer Jamm.
Here is the Council’s response to our Freedom of Information request:
Q: Do you allow stall holders at your markets to sell real fur? (including small items such as knitted hats with fur bobbles, or key rings with fur trims etc.
A: The following clause has been added to the T&C’s:
Derry City and Strabane District Council recognises that the United Kingdom has banned the farming of animals for their fur on ethical grounds since 2000 and the use of one of the most common traps used to catch animals for their fur has also been banned for many years.
Recognising that real fur is cruel and unnecessary, this Local Authority prohibits the selling of products containing real animal fur on council run markets (including seasonal and Christmas markets). All products wholly or partially made with real fur are covered by this ban and includes for example; fur coats, vintage fur, fur shawls, garments with fur trim, fur pompom hats, and fur accessories and trinkets.
They have also stated:
I wish to confirm that animal fur is not used on any of the Council’s Civic Regalia (ie) Mayor’s/Councillor/Aldermen robes. The robes are made from man-made synthetic fibres.
Please urge the Council to join the official Fur Free Markets Scheme by contacting Nicolle Walters, Market’s Development Office, email: nicolle.walters@derrystrabane.com