Tomorrow’s planned launch for Gloucester’s new car boot sale at Hempsted Meadow has had to be postponed, following the discovery of thousands of used rusty nails that have been scattered across the site making it too dangerous to walk or drive on.
The grand opening will now take place on Sunday, July 27th.
In a statement, Gloucester City Council said: “At this stage, it is believed to have been a deliberate act of vandalism, and the matter has been reported to Gloucestershire Police.”
“Dog walkers who use paths next to the site are being warned to avoid the area for the time being. A huge clear up operation is now taking place to remove all the nails using a giant magnet and other equipment.”
A spokesperson for the operator, Capital Car Boot Sales, said:” We are massively disappointed that we have had to reschedule for the 27th. It is incredibly sad that we have been forced to let down all the buyers and sellers who were planning to come along at this late stage, and we would like to apologise to all of them. However, it has made us even more motivated to turn this eagerly awaited market into a huge success story that the people of Gloucester and surrounding areas can all enjoy together. We cannot wait until the 27th.”
Leader of Gloucester City Council, Jeremy Hilton, said:” I would like to condemn whoever is responsible for this thoughtless and highly dangerous act of vandalism. If it had not been found in time, we can only imagine what might have happened if nails had entered car tyres, or dogs were hurt. We will work with the market operators to ensure the whole site is totally safe in time for the delayed opening next weekend.”