TOWN CENTRE MANAGER COLUMN: Market is important to town centre

I recently had the pleasure of attending only the second meeting of the Spalding Branch of the National Market Traders Federation – I believe the inaugural meeting was held in early November – and met some of the stalwart market traders that regularly man their stalls in Spalding every Tuesday and Saturday.
Often working seven days a week in all weathers, they are a hardy bunch and not slow in telling me what they think needs to happen in the town to improve footfall to the market and to give me a well deserved ticking off for not taking the time to stop and talk to them.
My father George, since departed, used to help out the Cooper brothers (Henry and George) occasionally on their mobile fruit and vegetable stall, well before they became famous boxers and my sister-in-law and her husband had a book stall on Selby Market for 20 odd years; so their world is not completely unknown to me.
The market is an integral part of our life in Spalding and the town centre would be a much poorer place without it.
Markets, just like town centres, are finding it hard to survive in the current economic climate, but the two together generate footfall and retail activity.
A market also brings drama and culture to the town and provides the opportunity for members of the community to get together and have a chat and a laugh.
I often hear people criticising the type of stalls currently on the market, but they would not be here if they were not well patronised.
Clearly getting the right mix of stalls is important and stall holders need to know that they can make a living.
I asked the traders present at the meeting to try and encourage stall holders from other markets to trade in Spalding and we have agreed to work more closely together to deliver special events; for example it is intended to hold a St Valentines themed market on Saturday, February 13.
I would also like to thank the Spalding Market Traders for their 100 per cent support of the re-arranged Christmas Market, without whose support it would have been a non-event.
Unfortunately many of the stalls and attractions booked for the original day were unable to attend because they were committed elsewhere.
I cannot believe that Christmas has come around again so soon and like last year, would ask you, that whenever possible you buy locally and support your town centre and the people that work there.
The independent shops in particular have put a great deal of effort into providing a comprehensive range of goods that will make ideal Christmas presents, many of which you cannot buy in the larger stores.
Lastly I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.