Spalding market returns

There were mixed emotions as Spalding’s historic market returned on Tuesday.

Many were delighted to be back, but one trader told The Voice he was considering never coming back to Spalding Market and going to Stamford Market instead after 21 years in town.

South Holland District Council has re-designed the market and listened to concerns over an initial idea to move it to Victoria Street car park.

The authority has also offered free pitches to traders for the time being.

However traders The Voice spoke to were disappointed that the council would no longer provide stalls, while stall holders said they now also had to book in and pay on every occasion they want to be at the market whereas before they paid a by direct debit.

Antique and collectables stall holder Tony Schofield, of Tony’s Bygones, said he would normally have three tables worth of collectables but that he could physically only manage to bring one table.

“I’m considering setting up at Stamford instead,” he said. “I’ve been here 21 years and they’ve just decided to take the stands away.

“Putting the stalls up myself is difficult. I’ve only managed one whereas before I had more tables and space to sell before.

“I’ve been 21 years in the same place but now the council wants me to book in every time I’m going to be here.

“What if I forget? Are they not going to let me on?

“It’s like my loyalty doesn’t mean anything.”

Barbara Rennison is one of those that has had to move furthest with her card shop moving from outside Boots to the Sheep Market.

“I’ve been flat out,” she said from her new location. “It’s great to be back and especially good catching up with all of those customers from before.

“It wasn’t easy putting out own stall up but thankfully my husband Michael helped.

“We did a trial run in the garden but then forgot two of the poles this morning so we’ve not been able to put the full stall up.

“The rain has kept away though and I’ve really missed this.”

Councillor Angela Newton has worked with the traders and the council over the recent issues as Spalding market looked to reopen.

She said: “Generally we are a council that consults with residents but I feel we have not fully consulted with the traders.”