‘Traders backing’ new stall rent rise

Traders are behind an increase in the cost of renting stalls, it’s been claimed, as the district council looks to boost its markets.

Coun Chris Brewis raised the issue at South Holland District Council last week.
“There was a lot of joy for users and stall-holders when it was announced the new administration, after the previous one were really interested in promoting markets,” he said. “We really need to get on, and putting the rents up hasn’t helped at the moment.
“Are we really going to start promoting the markets in the likes of Long Sutton?”
Coun Tracey Carter responded: “In regards to the small rise, there was only one lot of feedback from the traders, who came back and said they’re happy to pay it as it was a reasonable of £1.“They certainly haven’t fed back any challenge towards that.
“We spoke to them before that too.”
Coun Carter (pictured) went on to say that the authority had been successful in securing a government grant to get custom-made gazebos to provide all of South Holland’s Markets with matching stalls.
She also said more signage was being created and there were plans to promote the market more.
“We had a meeting with a number of the traders at the end of last year,” she told the council. “Another one is to take place and it’s for the whole district, not just for Spalding.
“We wanted to hear their feedback and what we could do to support them.
“One of things they requested was better signage and promotion.
“We’ve had some really large banners created to be displayed to let people know when markets are on.
“We were successful in the UKSPS bid for new gazebos and lots of marketing tools.
“We’re also looking at giving training and providing any support for the traders to help them promote themselves.
“It’s a joint venture. They need to promote themselves and we need to support them as much as possible.
“The Facebook page (South Holland Markets) is growing in likes and promotions and we’re making sure we include all the markets.
“There’s more to do, but we are moving forwards.”