METRIC MARTYRS VOW TO FIGHT ON http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?command=newPage&nodeId=142718&contentPK=10726227
10:41 - 07 August 2004 Two traders dubbed "metric martyrs" for their refusal to change from the old imperial system are still flouting the law six months after losing their appeal in the European Court. Greengrocer Julian Harman and fishmonger John Dove, both from Camelford, were prosecuted in 2001 for refusing to switch to selling their goods in kilograms. The pair were given conditional discharges by Bodmin magistrates under the 1999 Price Marking Orders. Their offences included displaying a sign advertising sprouts at 39p per pound and mackerel at �1.53 per pound without displaying metric equivalents. With other English traders, they went through the British courts to appeal, then took the case to Europe - but lost. Now the two North Cornwall businessmen say they will continue in their campaign of disobedience. Julian Harman, of A1 Fruiterers, said yesterday: "This isn't about whether it's best to sell apples by the pound or kilo, it's about standing up for our rights. The decision to change from imperial to metric was not democratically made in this country. "This wasn't the people's choice - it was a government choice. The EU have just messed this country around so much" He added: "We are not totally anti-metric. If you want a kilo of something, then I am happy to serve it. But no one ever asks for kilos, all the requests come in pounds. I run a business and that's how people want to be served, so that's how I'll serve them." Cornwall's trading standards department has written to the traders warning that if they continue to act illegally, they will be taken to court again. A spokesman for trading standards said it was waiting for a response to letters sent to the two traders, telling them to comply with the law. It said that if people were aware of people selling goods in imperial measures only, they should inform the authorities. Sunderland market trader Neil Herron, of the Metric Martyrs Defence Fund, has supported Mr Harman and Mr Dove through their appeals. He said yesterday: "I think the council will now have a clear indication of the traders' intent." But the two Cornish "martyrs" are supported wholeheartedly both from their customers and admirers all over the country. Fishmonger John Dove said: "People just pop into the shop to offer support and tell us to keep going and not to give up." Mr Harman said: "I get people ringing me and dropping by all the time to congratulate me on what we are doing." The imperial system's cause also has many celebrity backers including Elaine Page, Edward Fox and Lord Tebbit.
