Ban continental and farmers' markets
MORE than 100 stallholders have signed a petition to stop any outdoor markets visiting their town.
Stallholders at Longton's indoor market have warned Stoke-on-Trent City Council that events such as continental and farmers' markets would hit their trade.
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SIGNED-UP: Barbara and Alan Meigh, pictured, have signed the petition.
Market workers have called on the authority to impose a tight ban on any outdoor stalls being set up, and to clamp down on festivals where firms bring their own catering vans.
Barbara Meigh has run Window Style, a curtains stall, with husband Alan, for 40 years.
The 67-year-old, from Stockton Brook, said: "We are not against events taking place in the town, as we realise that's good for the area and brings people to Longton.
"But at Christmas there was a festival, and some of the fairground people brought their own catering.
"In future events we are worried there may be more outdoor stalls, and that sort of thing really hits us hard."
Karen Cacia, aged 44, from Caverswall, has run Shoenique for 15 years. She said: "We can't afford to lose any trade at all at the moment. We took a stall outside at Christmas to help the area, but we didn't see any benefit from it as people were mainly based around the fairground."
There are 83 stalls in the indoor market, which opens on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 9am until 5pm.
While there have been no Continental or farmers' markets in the area to date, stallholders fear their success in towns such as Cheadle could bring them to Longton.
A petition containing 111 traders' signatures has been submitted to the council, asking that no such events are considered.
Sheila Edwards, aged 57, has run Sheila's Pet Stall, for 34 years. Sheila, from Weston Coyney, said: "I look after the stall by myself, and so I wouldn't be able to have an outdoor option as well. During the Christmas fair some of the food stalls went out there, but they didn't get any trade and ended up throwing food away."
Rachel Thornton, aged 28, from Werrington, runs Bags More Choice. She said: "The Christmas fair really affected trade in the market."
Lynne Feeney, from Longton, has run The Pottery Stall, for 20 years. She said: "There is only one stall empty at the moment, which shows the market is thriving. Things should be left how they are."
Theresa Leighs, from Fulford, runs KLM Bargains.
She added: "We live in hard times, and don't need it making tougher."
The council's markets manager Robert Nixon said: "Longton market traders took part in a very successful festival at Christmas, which included closing the road and staging a street market. As part of activities to promote the town, a similar event is being looked into for the summer.
"Unfortunately, a misunderstanding in the way this message was relayed to market traders suggested that external markets would be used for this event. This was never intended to be the case. We work very closely with existing market traders and they shall be fully involved in future events."
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by Jill, Blurton
Wednesday, March 24 2010, 4:11PM
“Well, I've just read all the comments about Longton Market and the traders. I find some of the comments sad, but I do understand some of the points made. I have a big interest in Longton and the market as I have a shop on the Strand, backing onto the market.
I realise people want good things for Longton, including events and outside activities etc, and I for one as a trader think this is a great idea. However, I do understand the market traders are frightened of their trade being badly affected by outside markets coming into Longton, thus taking some of their much needed trade.
I own a giftware shop, which sells mostly handcrafted gifts, and would be a little concerned if regular craft markets were to take place. However,I would support one taking place occasionally, as I think it would do Longton good and attract more people into Longton.
Some people & traders are very against change in Longton, which is very sad, as Longton needs change and regeneration desperately. I can see that the public would like and enjoy continental food markets here, to bring something new and different to this area. But I hope people can understand how frightened traders are of these types of markets. It is seen as a threat to their trade.
Most of the shop & market traders do want events to take place in Longton, like the wonderful and the very successful Christmas event last year. I personally would encourage a range of new events in Longton and would even encourage the odd craft market, even though it could affect my trade for a short while.
I think good events would get people interested again in Longton and encourage them to use our beautiful market and shops again and again.
There is one person on here, who is a little disrespectful to Longton market regarding having little to offer item wise and price wise. Personally, I feel that is totally wrong and negative. Longton is a great historic town with a great historic market. The market and the shops have many great things to offer, including a wonderful friendly atmosphere. Maybe the prices are not always the best, but I think some people just enjoy the market experience, buying great local produce from a great local market, thus keeping a traditional market busy.
Before I had a shop in Longton, I always made sure I crossed the road from Tesco and sourced many different foods and items from Longton market. I think it is important to support your local town and local traders.
I¿m afraid Longton will suffer even more if events do not take place, but do understand traders apprehension. Times are very, very difficult in business at the moment, and I for one am badly struggling.
Maybe this article does not quite portray the full picture and perhaps does not represent every trader in Longton market. No matter what, Longton has to move forward and has to attract a greater number of people. I hope people can now understand, perhaps a little more, and perhaps see both sides.
Many thanks for your time. Kind regards from Longton.”
by fred, stoke
Monday, March 22 2010, 9:52PM
“Biddulph has ones of these markets agleast twice a year and it is good to walk down the middle of the road with the whiffs of dirrent fragrances from freshly cook foods to soaps.... Will do good for longton to invite these markets to stay for a few days as it will bring in much needed visitors spending they hard earned cash.....I for one will be there when they come.”
by norm, newcastle
Monday, March 22 2010, 7:35PM
“Yorkie, (we will drive them away) I don't think so, they have been coming here for yonks, (a long time), by fair means or foul, and the foul thing rings a bell.”
by Stoke Girl, Stoke on Trent
Monday, March 22 2010, 6:03PM
“This is pathetic.
The people interviewed run a shoe stall, pet stall, bag stall, pottery stall, curtain stall & general bargains stall - I dont REALLY think their trade would be affected by a continental FOOD market.
Surely these kind of continental markets attract customers to the area by offering something a little more interesting food-wise.
Dont know about the journalist who interviewed these people but I have never eaten shoes, pottery, pet food, curtains etc so dont see where the competition is.
Im all for the continental Markets - they mean we can try proper continental foods.”
by Yorkie, Yorkshire
Monday, March 22 2010, 5:49PM
“Get a grip you market stall holders, how short sighted and you be!!? Its a way of introducing us to other foods, and hopefully re-inforcing international relations.!! Your attitude will drive them away not encourage them to come to the UK!”