Council to review plans for town trestle market

Space will now not be renamed and public set to be consulted as well

A MAJOR investment package for a controversial refurbishment programme at Leek Trestle Market is to be reviewed.

Earlier this year, the ruling cabinet at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council approved the allocation of £435,000 for investment in the trestle market, which was to be known as Leek Market Hall, for the purpose of improving facilities to support the establishment of permanent units for retail, food and beverage.

Work was expected to start on the roof in April, so the unit would not be available for the annual Scooterfest in the town.

However, this was delayed and Scooterfest enjoyed the use of the premises at their successful event last month.

And following last month’s announcement of a new leader and cabinet at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, it has now been confirmed that the planned refurbishment of Leek’s Trestle Market is to be reviewed.

The new administration has also announced that the premises will remain named The Trestle Market.

As was evident at this year’s Scooterfest, the new administration believes that it is important for the Trestle Market, pictured right, to be available as a multi-use space in Leek.

Therefore, before any significant sums of money are spent, the cabinet intends to re-evaluate the project as a whole based on ‘value for money, necessity and long term investment’ in the building and its use for the town.

Leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and the ruling Conservative Group, Councillor Paul Roberts, said: “We believe that before investment is made of the size suggested by the previous administration, further consultation is needed.

“To ensure that we are not forcing through changes that aren’t welcomed by everyone who uses the building, we will be consulting as many stakeholders as possible, including traders, the town council events committee, and councillors from across the Chamber.

“We also have to be aware that the building will need long-term maintenance and may require improvements to access, fire safety and other structural changes that enhance its current usage.

“We intend to make the investment in the building, but by bringing everyone along with us to secure a bright future for the fantastic space and for the people of Leek.”