AN Ipswich greengrocer today branded his adversaries real turnips as he prepares to battle in court next month for the right to sell his wares on the street.

By James Fraser

AN Ipswich greengrocer today branded his adversaries real turnips as he prepares to battle in court next month for the right to sell his wares on the street.

Trevor Jones, of Fresh & Fruity said that a possible £2,000 would force him to shut up shop in an area of the town that is already in decline.

Ipswich borough bosses have taken issue with his colourful display of fresh fruit 'n' veg that extends out from his shop on Westgate Street.

Mr Jones could be handed the hefty fine if he is found guilty of displaying goods on the highway at South East Suffolk Magistrates Court on May 7.

"It's a way of inviting customers into the shop and it's a totally traditional way of doing greengrocery over the years," said Mr Jones, who has been trading there for five years.

"No one is going to fall over it, I can't understand it. We've never had a complaint in all the time I've been here – except from the council. And this end of town has been dying ever since.

"The people need us and they want us – but the council don't. I'll have to close the shop if they fine us like they say they will.

"We're one of the last greengrocer's in Ipswich and if they do this we'll be gone with the rest of them. It's sad because this end of town is dying. Everywhere around us is closing and we're beginning to struggle

The court case is the culmination of a three-year dispute between Mr Jones and Ipswich Borough Council.

The council was unavailable to comment today.