SIR,
The possible return of the market to the Shire Hall is probably the most important single thing to happen to Monmouth in recent years and should not be taken lightly.
I have been a Monmouth market trader for eight years, five at the Shire Hall, three on the car park. I am a Monmouth resident.
I was the market traders' relocation representative during the Shire Hall lottery bid.
At the time there was a valid concern that Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) would close the market while the renovation took place as they were continually stating that the market was running at a loss.
I read the lottery bid submission and made it a point to access the market accounts, in defence of the supposedly loss making market.
On occasions MCC suggested private operators be invited to tender for the operation. No-one took up the offer, too small, no profits.
If my memory serves me correctly, in the bid there was a perceived income, from markets, for the Shire Hall of some £17,000.
I took this per se, as the figure was very close to the income from the Market during the fiscal year 2006-07.
These accounts included part monies from the now defunct Wednesday market.
This figure was 'gross' revenue, not taking into account the market manager's salary and associated employee costs (plus 23 per cent pension, uniforms expenses etc) and various other expenditures.
According to my rough calculations the market was making a profit of only £200 or so, but it was a profit. I suppose MCC would still argue the point.
The figures for 07-08 were only partly available at the time but were showing that the revenue would be about the same despite an increase in stall fees from £8 to £10.
So what happened? Traders left and new traders, trying the market for the first time, did not stay through lack of trade and, in my five years, only one trader stuck at it, the greengrocer.
Then, in December 2007, Woolworths closed, the drop in people at the top of the town was dramatic.
The market on the car park is privately operated; it has been for 18 months or so, with little or no influence from MCC.
The operator pays a ground rent to MCC, equitable to the loss of parking revenue, so MCC does not lose any money.
The market is full, 18 stalls, large and small, on Saturdays, has a waiting list for stalls and could part fill the grassed area, if he were allowed.
You cannot transfer this to The Shire Hall, it's impossible. There is a suggestion that traders downsize to accommodate all at the Shire Hall. Baloney.
If it did return, MCC would have to operate it and employ staff to erect and dismantle gazebos and supervise the operation.
The stall fees would increase to the levels of other markets, £2 to £2.75p per running foot. Traders would leave in droves.
No Traders, No Market.
I am really saddened, but not disheartened, that some of the people and town council of Monmouth have been duped by the rhetoric, lies and pub talk that have appeared in the Beacon over the past few months.
On 18th April I attended the presentation meeting at the Shire Hall.
Among the many inaccuracies expressed by town councillors were: 'vast majority of traders want to return' and 'Christmas Market was a great success'.
There were only seven stalls and three did not take any money at all.
MCC has carried out a Monmouthshire Market review. Although non-committal, when reviewing our market and existing site, it was plain for all to see that MCC were impressed by the amount, and diversity, of stalls and the capacity for expansion.
The majority of traders wish to remain on the car park (14 to seven with two 'where evers').
We are a business people too. The market should not be used as 'bait' on the off chance it would attract people to the top of town.
If you value your market, and what it brings to the town, now and for the future, express in favour of the market remaining on the Cattle Market car park.
Steve Bennett
(Monmouth)