Herefordshire Council welcomes government support for local markets

This week’s announcement that government is to set up a new body to champion the interests of traditional local markets has been welcomed by Herefordshire Council.

The announcement came from local government minister Rosie Winterton, who said it was essential that traditional markets survive and highlighted their “significant” economic and social benefits.

Herefordshire Council actively supports local markets across the county and recently boosted the appeal of the weekly open market by allowing it to move into Commercial Street, in Hereford’s city centre.

The council is also keen to tap into the potential of the Butter Market, in Hereford’s High Town, and has carried out extensive consultation to determine what kind of market traders and shoppers want in the prestigious city centre venue.

When she made her announcement, Rosie Winterton said that local markets are “part of our heritage,” and that they “bring communities together.”

“Some traditional markets even date back to medieval times and are the reason why many of our towns exist.

“Markets also play a vital economic role in the local community, providing jobs and business start-up opportunities, offering cheaper produce and attracting shoppers into the town centre,” she added.

Speaking after the announcement, Cllr Adrian Blackshaw, cabinet member for economic development and community services, said: “We are delighted with the news.

“The relocated Open Market is settling down in its new city centre location, while the Buttermarket and our local farmers’ markets also bring considerable economic and social benefits to Herefordshire.

“We will also continue to provide speciality markets such as our Victorian Markets, our Antiques and Collectables and our Garden Markets.

“Internet shopping and the current economic climate have made life more difficult for markets, but they still have the potential to survive and thrive and add colour to our city. We therefore owe it to Herefordshire to promote them.

“The announcement of a national body to champion traditional markets will raise their profile and ensure that the industry has a voice across government policy.

“This has got to be good news,” added Cllr Blackshaw.