Market threatened by spending cuts saved as community steps in

A MARKET under threat because of council spending cuts in the Wakefield district is set to be saved after the local community stepped in to save it.

The 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 that the future of Featherstone Market could now be secure following talks.

The authority says it has been in talks with traders and local councillors this week which have resulted in a proposal that the market will be run by Featherstone Town Council in the future, with support from traders.

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Discussions are also ongoing with town councils and traders at the other threatened markets in Hemsworth, Normanton and South Elmsall.

Coun David Dagger, cabinet member with responsibility for markets, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to come to an agreement following our discussions with Featherstone town council and traders this week.

“We had a very positive meeting and have come up with firm proposals which should ensure the future of the market. Meanwhile, I hope that shoppers will continue to support the market each week and that it goes from strength to strength.

“We are continuing to work very hard to ensure the future delivery of all our markets and have also had constructive discussions with both town councils and traders in other areas with non-core markets at Hemsworth, Normanton and South Elmsall.”

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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 October.

Coun Bill Mulroe, Mayor of Featherstone, said: “The very strong message is that it is business as usual at Featherstone Market.

“It is part of our heritage and the town council is committed to ensuring it survives in the future.

“We have had very constructive and encouraging talks with the traders and I am sure we will be able to work together productively.”

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The moves have also been welcomed by some Featherstone traders who hope it will attract more traders to the town.

Umar Farook, who sells ladies’ fashions, said: “It’s great news that the market will not be closed. The traders are committed to working with the town council to ensure the market’s future.”

Sharon Dunn, who sells cakes, biscuits and confectionary, said: “It is very positive and I was pleased with the way the meeting went.

“What we traders now have to do is talk to traders we meet at other markets and encourage them to give Featherstone a try so we can expand in the future.”

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Markets at Wakefield, Castleford, Pontefract and Ossett are not part of the review.

A report to members of the authority’s Cabinet in June said both Hemsworth and Featherstone markets are losing money.

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

Members were also told that the 2011/12 council budget includes a target of saving of £51,000 from the transfer of markets.

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

The report to members said: “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.”