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Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tension erupts at Palayam market over demolition of operational shops
Thiruvananthapuram: Tensions erupted at Connemara Market in Palayam on Friday afternoon after a section of traders protested against the corporation's attempt to demolish shops, which they claimed were still operational, as part of the redevelopment plan. The protest began around 1pm when civic authorities started dismantling some structures of the market. The demolition of shops that were not in use has been ongoing for weeks, but the move to raze functional outlets, such as tea stalls and vegetable shops, sparked resistance from the shopkeepers. However, the police intervened and brought the situation under control. "There are several shops which are still in use and we have not yet been fully rehabilitated," said Rajas J, a shop owner and Merchants Association secretary. He emphasised that traders were willing to vacate once the corporation makes suitable arrangements for them. The traders have also decided to shut down all the shops on Saturday as part of the protest. The corporation along with Thiruvananthapuram Development Authority (TRIDA) constructed a temporary facility behind the existing market to house vendors during the redevelopment. These consist of three prefabricated blocks made of high-quality steel, designed to accommodate up to 460 traders, including dedicated sections for fish vendors. However, several traders claimed that they have not allotted their designated spaces yet. Meanwhile, a senior corporation official confirmed that the situation was brought under control. "The issue has been settled. Functional shops will not be demolished until traders are properly rehabilitated. A meeting with the affected traders will be held soon to resolve any outstanding concerns," the official said. The Rs 55-crore market redevelopment project is being executed by RDS Projects Ltd under the Smart City Mission. The revamp was in the planning stages for over a decade and aims to address longstanding issues related to sanitation, safety and the deteriorating structure of the decades-old market. Originally slated to begin by March 31, 2025, the project has already seen delays, leading to financial and administrative complications. Sources indicate that additional funds may now be required to complete the project. Despite the setbacks, civic authorities insist that the redevelopment was essential for modernising the market and improving conditions for both traders and customers. "We understand the concerns of the traders, but this project is vital to ensure a safe, clean, and efficient marketplace in the heart of the city," the corporation official added. The temporary relocation is part of a phased plan to ensure uninterrupted business for traders while the new complex is under construction. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
And one adult: Columbia County Spring Fair has new weekend rules for younger visitors
If you're younger than 18, the only way to visit the Columbia County Spring Fair this weekend is with a parent. "Due to the number of unattended youths last Saturday that seemed intent on disrupting the fair, we feel these changes are necessary to continue to provide a family-friendly atmosphere and safe environment for all," the Merchants Association of Columbia County said in an announcement. If you're 18 or older, prepare to show your ID as you enter the fair at 5462 Columbia Rd. Otherwise, starting at 6 p.m. April 26 and 27, all guests 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent. One parent can bring up to four children. See it: Fun isn't optional at Columbia County Spring Fair Visitors ages 11 to 17 must buy their admission and ride tickets at the gate, according to the civic club. The Merchants Association applied a similar condition to underage fairgoers last November at its annual Fall Fair. The fair's rides, games, performances and attractions continue through 10 p.m. Sunday, April 27. Gates open at 5 p.m. weekdays, noon April 26 and 1 p.m. April 27. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Columbia County fair requires children bring parents, organizers say
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Yahoo
Columbia County Sheriff's Office's response to this past weekend's incidents at the Columbia County Spring Fair
EVANS, Ga. (WJBF) – This weekend, the Columbia County Spring Fair saw its fair share of fights involving children. There has been social media chatter about people saying they saw a gun or heard gunshots. I talked with the Columbia County Sheriff's Department about what happened. Although the Fair has a rule that a parent must accompany children 17 and under after 7 PM, there were still many incidents on Friday night, including fights between a 14- and 16-year-old, and Saturday night, the Fair had to close early at 9:30 due to unsupervised kids cutting lines and not following rules. 'Based on the fact of disruptions and the unruliness. The Merchants Association decided to close down the Fair,' said Andy Shedd, Special Operations Division, Columbia County Sheriff's Office. People at the Fair say they saw a gun or heard gunshots, but investigators say they have no proof that weapons were shown or fired at the Fair. 'There is no indication and no proof whatsoever that that occurred. It was a social media myth that ran rampant, but our officers that were there were obviously eyewitnesses to the entire incident and to the unruliness, and they said there were no shots that were fired,' said Shedd. One attendee was there with her family. She says that as they were leaving, they saw an officer rushing to where an incident must have occurred. They could tell from the moment they got to the fair that it was different and more hectic than in previous years. 'Next thing you know, you've got a big crowd of people screaming and running past us,' said Sheena Inglett at Saturday night's fair. 'My husband grabbed me and the baby, and we went beside a vendor, and she had us hide behind one of her curtains because nobody knew what was going on.' Inglett says she hopes attendees get refunds because some had just gotten to the Fair before they were forced to leave. Shedd says they are looking into videos. 'If we can prove that someone was an instigator, then they will definitely be charged,' said Shedd. The sheriff's office plans to provide more officers this weekend to ensure the safety of people who want to attend the Fair. 'Our plans for this this upcoming weekend is to bolster our efforts in security and have even more officers on hand so that nothing like this happens again,' said Shedd. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
