Charnwood Borough Council replies
WE’RE very sorry your reader feels this way and we’d just like to say that we are very proud of all the markets in Loughborough and the markets team, and the traders, who work extremely hard to make them the best they can be.
Earlier this year, the retail market on Thursdays and Saturdays was crowned the country’s Best Large Outdoor Market by the National Association of British Market Authorities. This shows just how good our markets are.
Since then we have gained some new traders and overall the number of stalls and stallholders has been broadly similar for the past few years and town centre footfall is up from last year by over 20 per cent.
We know markets up and down the country are facing challenging times as shopping habits change and that’s why we are always looking at how we can improve our markets for the future. We have commissioned a piece of work to look at possible improve- ments and we’ll be talking to traders, customers and residents about this soon.
With regards to bus stops, we have no evidence to suggest that their location has had any negative impact on the market. Most bus stops are located in nearby Baxter Gate which is only a short walk away.
The customer experience is much better since the area was pedestrianised as I myself witness when I visit the market on Thursday and Saturdays. Our mobility scooter service, just off the market, is also highly used and appreciated.
We’re always happy to hear customer feedback and we would like to reassure people that we will not be complacent as a thriving market is good for everyone.
Coun Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough town centre