FACEBOOK COMMENTS
● ACCRINGTON Market Hall bosses outline survival plans (October 4)
Rachael Brodie: The council doesn’t need to look to Altrincham markets for inspiration, look closer to home at Blackburn and even Hebden Bridge. Small town with a diverse range of sellers, from day to day fare to artisan vendors. The council have been saying ‘shopping habits have changed’ for the last ten years, and yes online shopping did change habits, but not for things we need like food. I agree to listen to the traders, but also listen to the consumers and us who live and work in Accrington. There are many stunning buildings and architecture and people willing to spend money locally, but we don’t have the option. Warner Street is thriving with independent business. Do some research, make bold decisions and have a sub-committee with local people to assist the council/planners. I for one would love to help, as I know many others would.
Lorna Lea: I remember when there were coach trips from all over Lancashire to come to Accrington market. It all started to go wrong when they demolished the old outdoor market. Such a shame it’s come to this, but it’s about time the council started listening to what the public want.
Bev Nixon: I remember being able to do your whole weeks shopping in the market, and not just the food. The atmosphere was marvellous. I blame the decline not only on the high rents but on those who decided to pull down the original market. That caused a lot of traders to retire or trade elsewhere. They never came back! There are only so many market traders but now with the rents so high, it’s not likely that many will be starting up either. The bus station relocation hasn’t helped either. I never see as many of our older citizens in town as much now.
Valerie Janet Edmondson: Start by Lowering the rents, as it’s far better getting SOME RENT than no rent at all. The Market Hall is a great example of fine architecture. A great historic and magnificent building going to waste, or sadly it will go the same way as many other fine historic buildings in the town of Accrington and surrounding areas that sadly are no more. If you don’t use it, you will lose it, goodness knows to what and to whom. Hyndburn Council please swallow your pride, lower the rents considerably and bring the traders back. Make Accrington FAR BETTER than Altrincham, or any other market town in the area, bring back Accrington’s glory days, back to how it once was, and can be again, with just a little common sense and a lot of thought and imagination.. It can be done!
Charlotte H Taylor: I’m afraid it’s too little to late for normal market traders. Mentioning Altrincham market hall just proves that all the council wanted was to turn it into a food hall!! Let’s think about the families that are losing their businesses over the ridiculous rents you are charging. Yes footfall has declined in recent years, but putting a food hall in a town where people have little or no spare money to spend on something they did not want in the first place is ridiculous!! I’m sure they want a market, with local traders, food, cafes, meat stalls, fresh baked goods, DIY stalls.. you get the picture!!