Brighouse and Elland markets are becoming a lifeline for their communities
MARKETS AT Brighouse and Elland are among those in Calderdale which have seen increased occupancy and trade through this year’s COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the start of the coronavirus health emergency, trade footfall at Brighouse Market has increased by 29 per cent and Masterplanning being developed for Brighouse as a whole will further develop the market area, said Calderdale Council’s Markets Manager, John Walker.
Ward councillor Howard
Blagbrough said Brighouse Market – only recently taken over by the council from private ownership and in need of renovation – was starting to gain ground, its strengths being shown during the pandemic.
“It is brilliant local people can shop and feel safe, it is a really nice meeting area and you have done it very well,” he told Mr Walker at a meeting of the council’s Cabinet Markets Working Party.
Mr Walker said the market area was also being included in discussions for Brighouse Town Board’s Towns Fund bid.
But there would be debate around proposals submitted by designers because the markets team were concerned about proposals which would result in loss of any stalls, he said.
“We could lose potentially some lock-up which would give us access from the canal towpath but to take 16 units out would be a loss of income to the council,” said Mr Walker.
Eight stalls where traders backed onto the road could be lost because there were some safety concerns, he added, but there would need to be talks with the designers.
Councillor Blagbrough (Con, Brighouse) said it was important not to lose capacity at the site.
Councillor Geraldine Carter (Con, Ryburn) agreed that losing 16 stalls would be too much as it would impact on financial viability.