SIR,
I used to be a regular market trader – some of you may know me as the man who sells bath bombs and soaps.
I have been unable to trade since the market moved outside – bath bombs plus rain equals a soggy mess.
I was promised that I could resume trading when the market returned to the Shire Hall.
I am, like others, really keen to return to the Shire Hall.
I know many of the current hard-working traders at the bottom of town would like to stay and I understand why.
There is a real need for them to supply their goods and they do so better at the bottom of town.
However, there are many traders that cannot trade in the open.
Most traders are fantastically flexible and friendly people, and to have the market trading in two locations would not present a problem.
A market with traders in the bottom area who have big stalls, and a smaller craft-style market at the Shire Hall could work.
Both locations could advertise the other.
Imagine a properly advertised market day, with both ends of town represented.
It would draw in customers to our town, with our coffee shops and stores benefiting.
With a new approach to parking we could also attract tourists and their spending.
The Shire Hall is fast becoming irrelevant in town life.
Let us bring it back to popular use – the market can help to do this.
Tony Webb
(The Narth)