Four markets at risk of closing as council seeks to save money

When senior members of the authority meet they will be asked to back proposals to begin talks with town and parish councils, community organisations and traders about the transfer of the markets.

If somebody cannot be persuaded to take over the running of the four markets they may have to close, a report to members of the authority’s Cabinet committee warns.

A report to members says that savings are required as a result of the Government’s comprehensive spending review.

“The Comprehensive Spending Review means that the Council now needs to review the way in which markets are managed to ensure the service is delivered in the most cost effective way. Some of the district’s markets are not performing to their full potential.

“National guidance recommends reviewing how markets are delivered at a local level to ensure the most effective management model is used.

“In order to deliver on the savings proposals in the budget report agreed by council in March 2011, if negotiations with interested parties do not result in feasible options to transfer unsustainable markets it will be necessary to formally outsource these facilities or close the markets.”

The four markets facing an uncertain future are: Hemsworth, Featherstone, Normanton and South Emsall. The authority is proposing that Wakefield, Castleford, Pontefract and Ossett markets are not part of the review.

A report to members of the authority’s Cabinet which meets on June 14 says both Hemsworth and Featherstone markets are losing money.

Officers say there are also concerns that Normanton and South Elmsall markets are no longer sustainable due to maintenance costs and low occupancy levels.

Members will also be told that developers have expressed interest in acquiring land owned by the council which encompasses the sites currently used for Hemsworth and South Elmsall markets. Other possible sites have been found and if councillors agree to the potential sale or partial sale of the land negotiations can continue.

The 2011/12 council budget includes a target of saving £51,000 from the transfer of markets.

Council bosses say that markets are struggling for a variety of reasons and in some cases are no longer cost effective.

“Consumer shopping trends and habits have changed over recent years, with the growth of internet shopping, discount retailers and a greater demand for increased access and range of goods.

“This, alongside the current economic climate, has resulted in a reduction in the number of customers visiting markets. As a result, occupancy levels at many of our facilities have fallen over recent years, particularly on outdoor markets, leading to reduced income,” the report to members adds.

Council chiefs warns that if members do not agree to transfer the four markets, which it has labelled non-core markets, the current set-up is not sustainable.

Such a decision would also result in the market service being unable to deliver the savings proposals in the budget report agreed at council in March 2011.

Talks have already taken place with traders and other key players, the report says.

The report adds: “If given approval to proceed by Cabinet, officers will begin individual negotiations with the town and parish councils in the areas in which non-core markets are located.

“A deadline of 5 August 2011 will be set for proposals to be submitted. Following this a decision will be made as to whether to transfer non-core markets. Where this is not possible formal outsourcing will be considered before a decision on whether to cease the market is made.”