More than 1,600 sign online market stalls petition

AN online petition has been launched asking Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to reconsider plans to fit permanent stalls in Leek Trestle Market.

It comes at a time the council has employed consultants to start a consultation on the proposed project.

The trestle market has been the focus of debate and controversy for several months after Leek Town Council had requested the building be made available for events.

However, the district council said new permanent stalls could be built which will not allow the premises to be used for any other events. Now the chairman of Leek Town Council entertainment committee, Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, has started the petition, which has already been signed by more than 1,600 people.

It states: “We ask you to reconsider the plans to fit permanent stalls into the present trestle market building. If this happens we lose the market itself, as well as a precious multi-functional town centre space which has been used for over 100 years for a wide range of social events.

“We call on you to work closely with all of Leek’s elected representatives in utilising this historic building to the full, supporting the local economy as well as raising Leek’s profile as a tourist destination.”

Speaking to the Post & Times, Councillor Swindlehurst said: “The town council has now held a very interesting meeting with Quarterbridge, who have been appointed consultants to the consultation stage of the proposed changes to the trestle market building.

“Our concerns were clearly expressed, and the councillors who attended made clear their views on the idea of fixed stalls.

“The potential for continued multifunctional use was explored at length, and we were able to call on our local knowledge and experience to fill in some gaps in their understanding, as well as put right some misleading information.”

Leek town mayor, Councillor Stephen Wales, said: “The flexibility of this most valuable town centre building is paramount in any planned changes or ‘improvements’

“To see it locked up four days a week, including every Sunday, throughout the whole year is a wasted resource.”