Evening markets plan for town centre
MARKETS in two Staffordshire Moorlands towns are continuing to grow.
Leek’s Wednesday market has increased by 20 per cent, while proposals are being drawn up to extend the Friday market in Cheadle.
Now further plans are being made to bring in several specialist markets, including evening events in Leek.
Councillor Edwin Wain, who has the responsibility for planning, car parks and markets at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said: “The Wednesday market in Leek is up by 20 per cent. We are now looking to expand it as people are waiting to come in.
“This is good news as many other town markets are struggling.
“We are also looking at having specialist markets with different stalls. Wine stalls are being looked at after I visited Shrewsbury where they have such stalls and it seems a great idea.
“Another idea is to have some night markets, to enable those people who are working in the day, to attend.
“The move from the Market Place to the main streets in Leek has worked. Traders have also seemed happy with the move.
“Meanwhile refurbishment work, which has included roof maintenance, heating and decoration, is ongoing in the Butter and Trestle Markets in Leek.
“The traders also seem happy in Cheadle and we are also now looking at expanding the Friday market.”
“I am happy that the Chancellor has helped high street businesses by reducing business rate tax on shops.”
Councillor Dani Ogden, who is a cabinet support member on the ruling cabinet at the district council, has also been working alongside Mr Wain on the market projects.
She said: “I have great hope for the town markets. We now have an amazing team working on them.
“We are looking at a twilight market in Leek in December and also probably next year.
“These are exciting times and we want to build up the High Street. I also believe that things do go in a full circle.”