Market's decline leaves £40,000 hole in finances

LEEK'S outdoor market - which is set to be relocated for 14 weeks - has cost tax payers more than £40,000 in the last year.

Occupancy levels at the Wednesday market now stand at just 63 per cent.

Members of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's scrutiny committee heard last week that the latest figures reflected the downward trend since 2005/6.

They were told that the reduced income from stalls not being taken up in 2008/09 could not be offset by savings and has left the service £41,483 overspent for the year.

Councillor Brian Johnson told the scrutiny meeting: "We are paying for stalls to be put up but we are only receiving income for the ones that are taken up by people."

He also questioned whether the council received any income from the stalls at car boots held on Leek Cattle Market.

Leader of the council Sybil Ralphs said someone had now been appointed to take on the responsibility for the markets.

She added: "He will look at all aspects of the market and results will follow."

The Post & Times revealed on June 3 that the perimeter of the Market Place is be refurbished in September and it has now emerged that stalls will have to be relocated while the work is carried out.

The district council and Staffordshire County Council are to join forces to restore the historic market place.

All the York stone paving slabs around the perimeter are to be replaced in the scheme.

The main cause of the decline of the paving has been blamed on vehicles mounting the pavement.

The councils' have agreed that bollards will be erected to stop vehicles damaging the new pavements in the future.

Consultation is to take place to seek views on whether the bollards should be permanent or just erected for the Wednesday and Saturday markets.

Traders are also to be consulted on the possibility of relocating the markets stalls while the work programme is ongoing.

Moorland council leader Sybil Ralphs: "Market Place has been at the heart of Leek's trade for hundreds of years and, more recently, has become an important tourist attraction.

"Sadly, the last two decades have seen a marked decline in the fabric of the area.

"However, I'm now delighted that we've been able to agree plans with our county council colleagues to revitalise this historic space.

"Disruption is inevitable while the work takes place but there's no doubt that Market Place will have been restored to its former glory by the time we've finished".

Councillor Mike Maryon, who has the responsibility for highways on the county council, agreed that the work would restore Market Place to its glory days.

He said: "The highways team were reluctant to replace the York Stone paving only to see it cracked up time and time again by vehicles parking up for the market.

"This way ahead will see a long-term solution that will protect the Staffordshire taxpayer from ongoing replacement and repair bills."

The 36 bollards will be painted green to complement the Conservation Area and, if collapsible would be installed on Tuesday evenings before the Wednesday outdoor market and on Friday evenings ahead of the Saturday outdoor market.

Stall holders will now be consulted on where the market will be relocated to while the work is carried out.

Options include streets near to the Market Place such as Stanley Street, Sheepmarket and Derby Street.