End of popular car boot sales at Kettering park

The Kettering park used to have regular car boot sales throughout the year, which would attract buyers and sellers as well as those visiting the park who just wanted to have a browse.

But a post left on the Wicksteed Park Facebook page yesterday said park bosses have decided to call time on the sales.

A statement from Wicksteed Park said: “For several years, Wicksteed Park has held a car boot sale on its land during some weekends in the year.

“Due to plans to enhance and expand the park’s core attractions the land used for these sales is now required for other purposes.

“Rising staffing costs associated with the car boot sales have also contributed to the decision to end the sales.

“We would like to thank all the sellers and buyers who have helped the organisers make the event so popular over the years.”

The Facebook post has attracted dozens of comments already, with opinion divided on the decision.

One comment says: “Well not impressed, think you have made the wrong decision here.

“We used to come every Sunday, use the park, buy tickets and icecreams.

“Will be a lot of lost business now as everyone will be off to other car boots in the area.

“Shame, another community service kettering has lost.”

While another comment said: “There are plenty of places in Kettering to hold a car boot sale.

“It is hardly the end of the world.

“Kettering is very fortunate to have the Wicksteed Park Trust.

“The fact that they allowed one on the park for so long should be praised.

“Things move on, the park moves on.

“We should all try to be supportive.

“Won’t stop me from going on a Sunday morning.

“Lots of time and funds have gone in to improving the park over the past few years yet every post on Facebook is followed by ranting followers.

“We love Wicksteed.”

A spokesman for Wicksteed Park said the end of the car boot sales was not related to the park’s £4.5 million plans to bring the history and heritage of ‘the home of children’s play’ alive to all visitors, which were revealed in the Northants Telegraph today.