Changes on way for markets (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Changes on way for markets

2:04pm Thursday 12th July 2012 in News

CHANGES could be on the way to the way the markets operated by Hambleton District Council are run following a four-month review by officials.

The council is responsible for the markets in Northallerton and Thirsk and both generate a significant income for the authority.

The annual target income for Northallerton is £145,000 and around £43,000 for Thirsk - and both are projected to beat those figures this year.

The review looked at all aspects of the markets and a series of recommendations are now being made to next week’s meeting of the council’s cabinet.

They include a new look at the layout of Northallerton market as currently there is an area at the northern end which can only be let to casual traders because of a temporary taxi rank on the monthly farmers’ market day.

Another cause for concern at Northallerton has been the amount of pavement taken up by stallholders’ displays. The general encroachment is seen as an issue and a clear definition of stall boundaries could be established.

Concerns have also been raised, particularly at Northallerton, about waste and different options for its disposal are now expected to be considered.

Advertising and promotion of both markets is expected to be made a priority in an effort to prevent any future decline and also furrther encourage tourism in the district.

Northallerton’s farmers’ market - held on the fourth Wednesday of every month - would be included in any promotional campaign in an attenpt to combat a fall in the number of stalls.

In its early days the famers’ market would boast around 25 stalls but that has now fallen to 12 to 14 with some traders travelling up to 50 miles to take part.

It is also likely that the provison of a mains power supply to Northallerton and Thirsk markets will come under active consideration as an increasing number of traders are now using generators to supply power to their stalls.

The review is also calling fort a clear management strucrure to be established with defined responsibilities.