The fee to have a market stall in Spalding is to be waived for three more months, it’s been announced, amid claims new stallholders are being attracted to stand.
South Holland District Council has announced the move which extends the policy since the markets return in June.
And the authority has claimed its seen a number of new stalls at the markets at Spalding, Holbeach and Long Sutton.
It follows others stalls saying they would no longer be standing at Spalding Market in particular after the council said it would no longer put up stalls for the traders and required them to book in every week.
A spokesman for the district council, said: “South Holland District Council has announced that market fees in Spalding will be waived for another three months, stretching the support for traders to six months since the market returned in June.
“The decision, which ensures no fees for traders until the end of November, helps support the council’s commitment towards the town centre and its businesses, as it looks to continue to build for the future and aid the economic and social recovery of the District from COVID-19.
“The extension to the support will save valuable money for traders impacted by a change in trade levels during lockdown and beyond, whilst also presenting a low-risk opportunity for other businesses or individuals to consider taking part for the first time.
“Several new traders have already used the free period to take part in the market, with a seller of handbags, purses and wallets and also a cake company appearing in recent weeks.
It follows further support through a £5,000 grant for existing traders earlier in August, who the Council identified directly through their discretionary grant funding from the Government’s COVID-19 support package.
“The council are also reaffirming the importance of the market through the ongoing work of the town centre improvement group, which includes representatives from the Spalding Market Traders group.”
Councillor Roger Gambba-Jones, portfolio holder for place, said: “I am very pleased that we are extending the rent free period for traders. I believe it shows our commitment to supporting Spalding’s markets and its traders whilst also seeking to encourage others to give market trading a try, as our town continues to recover from these challenging times.
“The markets are an integral part of our plans for Spalding, and I would encourage anyone who’s always considered giving it a go to make the most of this opportunity and be part of a growing and diverse retail offer to our shoppers.”
