Public consultation regarding move of Hereford open market

Herefordshire Council is starting an eight-week consultation exercise to gauge views on proposals to move the Hereford Retail Open Market.

The market currently operates adjacent to the Cattle Market, on Edgar Street, on a Wednesday and Saturday each week.

With the impending changes to the cattle market area, an alternative site for the retail market had to be identified.

As a result, a major programme of consultation is to be carried out by the council starting this Saturday, October 18, and running until Saturday, December 13.

The consultation will seek the views of the public and organisations/businesses/residents directly affected by the recommendation to move the retail market to the northern end of St Peter's Street and the western end of Commercial Street, provisionally commencing around Easter time next year.

It is planned that the retail market will continue to operate from 9am to 4pm on a Wednesday and Saturday at its new site.

Herefordshire Council will invest in 25 new gazebo-style stalls that will be erected and dismantled on a Wednesday and Saturday.

Members of the public can register their comments on the proposal online, or in person by visiting a manned display trailer which will be in High Town on Saturday, October, 18, Wednesday, October 22, Wednesday, October 29 and Saturday, November 1 between 10am and 2pm.

Organisations, businesses and residents the council considers will be directly affected by the proposed relocation will be written to week commencing Monday, October 20.

Cllr John Jarvis, cabinet member for markets, fairs and street trading, said: "This is a great opportunity for market traders to develop their businesses in a flourishing part of Hereford. It will also create a vibrant street scene which should attract higher footfall in the locality, thereby increasing business for all.

"The changes must be seen as a great opportunity in which we can all play a part in making the market a success."

For further information please contact Jeff Owen, Herefordshire Council manager for markets, fairs and street trading, on 01432 260558.