Town Hall Market saved!
In a victory for the traders, the Town Council said it had listened to public opinion and will now look at securing grants from the Burgess Lands Trust to refurbish the current facility.
A Town Council committee last night heard that it would cost up to £80,000 to switch the market, so that option was ruled out.
However, a recent survey returned by 450 residents showed little support for the market with 80% saying that it was either poor or average. Only 20% said the council should financially support the market. A pitiful 18% said they visited the market at least once a week.
Town Clerk, Robert Robinson, said: “The Council were made aware of the survey results, public comments and traders views which along with economic and practical issues led the Committee to support the report.”
Mayor Cllr Steve Kaye added: “I wanted the decision on the markets to be discussed as soon as possible so I asked the Town Clerk to bring forward a plan with all speed. We have listened to the public and traders and considered the costs and practicalities of each option open to us. We will now progress to completing what refurbishment should be taken forward.”
A recommendation will now go forward to the Full Council on March 14 at 7pm.
Meanwhile, the Town Council is set to move offices from its current spot in Triangle House, off the back road. The Town Hall has been ruled out following the markets decision, so a search has been launched with a report expected in April.
For the full council report, and to see the survey results, click here
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