Derby’s ‘Sausage Man’ reports health decline following stall relocation

“The strain and the stress I’ve had to deal with isn’t something I thought would affect me this badly.” One month has passed since Derby’s “Sausage Man” was compelled to move his festive German Bratwurst cabin, reducing it to a smaller trailer situated in a less prominent area. Charlie Pearson attributes his deteriorating health to the financial pressure from reduced sales. He has indicated that this will be his final festive season selling sausages unless an agreement can be reached with Derby City Council. Derby City Council stated: “The introduction of the festive light trail means that the Corn Market site is unavailable as this site is a key area for the light trail.” Charlie asserts that his revenue has decreased by approximately 75% at the new location on St Peter’s Street. “It’s not nearly as busy,” he commented. “The German sausage stall, for so many people, is not just a German sausage stall, it’s a destination.” Typically, Charlie operates a festively adorned cabin in Corn Market, a more central spot within the city centre. “It’s become an iconic part of that part of town,” he remarked. “And that’s been taken away from everybody.” In the former location of the sausage stall, Charlie’s absence is noticeable. “People I know have been looking for the sausages,” said Alfie Grimwood, who was seated on a bench in the now vacant Corn Market. “It is a massive shame. I think the council should bring Sausage Man back,” he added. His friend, Aidan Pettitt, urged: “Can we have him back, please? Council, if you’re listening, we want Sausage Man back, now.” Charlie resides in Felixstowe, Suffolk, for most of the year, earning income by preparing toasties at various festivals. He has sold hot dogs in Derby for three months annually for the past 14 years. He customarily pays a pitch fee to Derby City Council to position his cabin outside Primark. He submitted his application as usual in April, but the council informed him via email in July that the site would not be accessible this year. The council’s email also specified that he would be required to apply for planning permission to use his cabin again, “because of the length of time your temporary structure will be put up”. This requirement was new, as Charlie had never been asked for planning permission in prior years. Among “Sausage Man’s” loyal customers is Mireia Salinas, originally from Barcelona, who has lived in Derby for about 20 years. She managed to locate him at his new spot but noted that the ambiance in Derby city centre felt different. “It’s so iconic isn’t it, seeing him there, starting Christmas, so not seeing him there is a bit weird,” she observed. “It’s bad because everybody goes down there and I’m guessing he might be losing some clients because it’s not a very good spot here.” Christopher Bridgwood, who has purchased hot dogs from “Sausage Man” for approximately five years, discovered the stall’s new whereabouts purely by chance. “I thought it was a bit strange it had not popped up as early as it normally does,” he stated. “If I hadn’t walked past I would have just assumed it wasn’t here this year.” While his hot dog tasted “great” as usual, Christopher perceived that something was missing from the experience. “I do sort of miss the homeliness of the wooden shack,” he commented. “It had its own little unique characteristic about it.” For updates, follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.