Market is saved by town council

Cash-squeezed Wakefield Council is currently discussing the future of four markets as it grapples with cuts to its budgets – but last night it revealed the future of Hemsworth Market was now secure after Hemsworth Town Council came forward.

Last month the authority said it has been in talks with traders and local councillors regarding another threatened market in Featherstone and a proposal had been drawn-up that the market will be run by Featherstone Town Council in the future, with support from traders.

Hemsworth and Featherstone are two of four markets which the council is looking at as part of its markets review. The others are at Normanton and South Elmsall.

The market at Hemsworth currently trades on Tuesdays and Fridays and the town council will continue to operate the market on those days and will also re-launch the now defunct Saturday market.

Coun David Dagger, cabinet member with responsibility for markets, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to negotiate this agreement to ensure the future of Hemsworth Market which provides a valuable service to the local community.

“This is the second market where we have reached an agreement with the town council. Last month we were able to announce that Featherstone would be taking over the running of their local market.“

Work is now being carried out on the details of the proposals and it is likely the market will be operated by the town council from late October.

Coun Tony Upson, chair of the town council, said: “There is a lot of support in Hemsworth for the market to stay.”

Discussions are ongoing with town councils and traders at the markets in Normanton and South Elmsall.