District Council and Market Traders discuss market plans

Aug 24, 2012 Peter Rabbit Council News Comments Off on District Council and Market Traders discuss market plans

EAST Lindsey District Council has met with Market Traders again this week to discuss the feedback provided in relation to the future plans for the markets and how these can be smoothly implemented for the benefit of all parties, particularly for local people and visitors to the area.

For a number of months the District Council has been developing plans that it hopes will improve the markets by creating a better experience for Traders and also customers, whilst also ensuring the markets are of greater economic benefit to the other businesses in the market towns.

As well as encouraging the Council to do more to promote the markets, Traders had also raised concerns about supervision arrangements and the need for someone to ensure the market runs smoothly. These concerns will be addressed by the new operations support manager who will support the promotion of the markets as well as liaising with the Traders.

Changes will be phased in through to November and will include a new trader booking system and Market Stalls will all have a consistent appearance, with the District Council providing canopies for stalls. Unsightly skips and waste bins are to be removed from the markets with traders being required to take responsibility for disposing of their own waste, as happens at other markets in the county.

Portfolio Holder for Planning and the Economy, Councillor Craig Leyland, said: “I’m pleased to have been able to meet with the Traders again to listen to their views on the market proposals as we get close to the implementation phase. The District Council is keen to ensure the markets continue to thrive. We’ve debated long and hard about the issues the markets face and now is time for action for the benefit of the markets, the economy in our towns and the taxpayers of East Lindsey. We will continue to engage with the traders as we implement the changes.”

The District Council is continuing discussions with Mablethorpe Town Council with a view to finding a solution to keep the town’s Market on a Thursday.

If new traders wish to request a stall at markets in East Lindsey, they are encouraged to contact the Council’s Economic Development Team on 01507 601111.