I WRITE in response to Richard Rowlett who in his letter to your publication appears to take issue with the fact that I live in Upwell, yet trade on Ely market. He appears to think this should disclaim me from having a right to question the behaviour of local councillors on the future of the Ely market.I no longer live in Ely, but am, however, an Ely girl born and bred and my family lived there for at least five generations.My great-grandfather was the proprietor of the Baron of Beef for over 30 years and carved a side of beef on the market place for the Coronation of Edward VII in 1901. My grandfather and four of his brothers were also publicans in Ely. The history, present and future of Ely and its market matters to me greatly.You seem to be under the impression that the council is having to subsidise the market? The markets are producing a profit.In spite of financial problems there was no excuse for the council to break their agreement with the traders and pressurise us before the issue was discussed by the full council. Traders had to put their hands into their own pockets to pay for legal representation to defend ourselves, and unfortunately we do not have the luxury of an expense account.Nearly 6,000 people signed the petition to ask the council to conform to best business practise. We are part of a long tradition going back to 1245 when the market was granted its charter by Henry III. I would make an educated guess that you are employed in one of the softer professions and spend much of your time in a warm office.You appear to be a man who regards the price of everything but knows the value of nothing.This is my last word on the market issue to the letters page as was truly never my intention to enter into a war of words with anyone.If Mr Rowlett or any of his compatriots however feel the need to respond to me personally they are free to do so. annieshackleton@btinternet.com

I WRITE in response to Richard Rowlett who in his letter to your publication appears to take issue with the fact that I live in Upwell, yet trade on Ely market. He appears to think this should disclaim me from having a right to question the behaviour of local councillors on the future of the Ely market.

I no longer live in Ely, but am, however, an Ely girl born and bred and my family lived there for at least five generations.

My great-grandfather was the proprietor of the Baron of Beef for over 30 years and carved a side of beef on the market place for the Coronation of Edward VII in 1901. My grandfather and four of his brothers were also publicans in Ely. The history, present and future of Ely and its market matters to me greatly.

You seem to be under the impression that the council is having to subsidise the market? The markets are producing a profit.

In spite of financial problems there was no excuse for the council to break their agreement with the traders and pressurise us before the issue was discussed by the full council. Traders had to put their hands into their own pockets to pay for legal representation to defend ourselves, and unfortunately we do not have the luxury of an expense account.

Nearly 6,000 people signed the petition to ask the council to conform to best business practise. We are part of a long tradition going back to 1245 when the market was granted its charter by Henry III.

I would make an educated guess that you are employed in one of the 'softer professions' and spend much of your time in a warm office.

You appear to be a man who regards the price of everything but knows the value of nothing.

This is my last word on the market issue to the letters page as was truly never my intention to enter into a war of words with anyone.

If Mr Rowlett or any of his compatriots however feel the need to respond to me personally they are free to do so. annieshackleton@btinternet.comANNIE SHACKLETON

Town Street

Upwell