We the undersigned write in support of "Country Collectables" a business run by Jacqui Portway at Saffron Walden Market for the last 39 years.

Jacqui has had ongoing health issues over the last year, and now Saffron Walden Town Council have issued a closure notice on Jacqui's business saying they can no longer wait for her to recover and wish to relet her pitch space and thus remove her license to trade on Saffron Walden Market.

Jacqui's commitment to the market and Saffron Walden as a whole is undeniable. She has been heavily involved in organising charitable, music, and arts events for many years in the town including the much loved Dance In The Square and entertainment for the Christmas Market that brings so much joy to the townsfolk and visitors. She has been an integral part of the Saffron Walden Initiative, and a massive supporter of her fellow market traders promoting their goods and services on social media. During COVID, Jacqui gave her own time in appealing for refurbished laptops and donating these to local families who could not afford to purchase them to enable children to take part in their lessons online while schools were closed. 

Please, SWTC, reverse your decision and allow Jacqui the time to recover.

It is the least she deserves.