New manager for markets?

A new manager is set to be appointed to look after the South Holland’s markets.

But while pitch fees in Spalding are set to fall 63 per cent, Long Sutton traders’ fees will rise 67 per cent.

The fees, which will be subject to annual review, are designed to ‘provide a simple model’, according to a report due to go before South Holland District Council’s Cabinet next week.

No pitch fees have been charged since the markets reopened in June and July last year.

There are five markets across the district; two in Spalding, and one each in Long Sutton, Crowland and Holbeach.

The have all faced difficulties with competition from unregulated car boot sales, increasing online shopping and the pandemic. The markets were closed from March 24 to June or July as a result.

But the district council says it wants to support the markets to grow and develop and appointing a manager would help with future improvements.

“It is clear that the markets are valued by the community and considered to be a vital part of our towns,” says the report.

The fees for a 10ft stall in Spalding will fall from £19 to £7 both Tuesday and Saturday while Long Sutton will rise from £5.10 to £8.50. Crowland and Holbeach will both increase from £5.10 to £7. The additional cost in Long Sutton would go towards the road closure which will be kept in place for the town’s market.

Members of the cabinet are recommended to approve the new markets handbook, the new fees, the creation of the new post and to back the permanent change of the council no longer erecting and dismantling the stalls.

The details also include providing ‘pop-up’ stalls for new traders.

The council held a public consultation, as well as talking to stall holders, visitors and businesses, into planned changes to the handbook and charges.

“The feedback provided much needed data on who visits our markets and why,” the report says.