‘help us save our market’

Nov 25, 2011 Peter Rabbit Market News Comments Off on ‘help us save our market’

Friday 25 November 2011, Bakewell Today

Market Campaign: Empty stalls in the indoor market in Matlock.

Traders have called for action to ensure the future of Matlock’s ailing market – as a major review is launched.

Derbyshire Dales District Council is looking at the area’s markets in a bid to improve them.

The council is set to review the stalls fees and charges, improve communication with traders and assess the viability of the markets in Matlock, Wirksworth and Bakewell.

But Matlock traders fear the town’s historic market, which is held on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, could disappear if the council does not take action soon.

The market hall, on Bakewell Road, was once a busy hub of activity with over 20 stalls selling a range of goods from crafts, antiques, china, clothes and fresh food.

But stallholders say business has declined rapidly over the last few years.

Billy Roberts, of Market Hall Butchers, said: “We could do with a few more people coming in.

“People look in from outside and then stop at the door as they don’t think there’s anything here.

“If the market was full people would walk round. I think if the council dropped the rents down more people would have a go.”

Currently traders pay around £20 a day to rent a stall.

Paul Bestwick, of PB Bargains, said his business was booming but he feared for the future of the site.

He added: “Most of the stalls lie empty now.

“The market is definitely important and I have built up a good business.

“All I’m concerned about is stopping here as I think the council want to redevelop all of this. It’s a fantastic location – right next to the supermarket and taxi rank. It just needs freshening up a bit and modernising.”

The council has issued the traders with questionnaires and is set to put together a draft report which will be discussed at a meeting in January.

Read the full article HERE