Markets Forum Minutes

Date:
Wednesday, 22nd July, 2009
Time:
5.30pm
Place:
Council Chamber, Town Hall, High Street, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1AU
 
Please note: all Minutes are subject to approval at the next Meeting

Attendance Details

Present:
Cllr Robert Cook(Chairman), Cllr Mrs Jennie Beaumont, Cllr Ian Dalgarno, Cllr Mrs Suzanne Fletcher, Cllr Bill Noble, Ms E Hutchinson, Mr P Johnson, Mrs P Mason and M Pinkney
Officers:
R Bradley, N Laws, C Watson (DNS) and N Hart (LD)
In Attendance:
Market Traders
Apologies for absence:
None
Item Description Decision
Public
M
13/09		 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
 There were no declarations of interest.
M
14/09		 MINUTES
 The minutes of the meeting held on 27th May 2009 were agreed as a correct record.
M
15/09		 APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIRMAN
Preamble
AGREED that Councillor Noble be appointed Vice Chair for the Municipal Year 2009/10.
M
16/09		 THORNABY UPDATE
Preamble
AGREED that the update and comments be noted.
M
17/09		 FARMERS MARKET
Preamble
AGREED that:

1. The update be noted.

2. Members be updated on progress on the matter.
M
18/09		 CHRISTMAS MARKET FESTIVAL UPDATE
Preamble
AGREED that the update be noted.
M
19/09		 SIRF UPDATE
Preamble
AGREED that:

1. The update be noted.

2. Traders will be informed on Saturday 25th July 2009 which traders will be displaced during the Saturday of SIRF and the reasons for displacement.
M
20/09		 THE EUROPEAN SERVICES DIRECTIVE 2006
Preamble
AGREED that:

1. The update be noted.

2. Officers investigate the potential breach of the charter further and consult with legal officers accordingly.

3. Officers will brief every group leader so they can write to the members of the European Parliament regarding the matter.
M
21/09		 MARKET TRADERS PROMOTIONAL BUDGET
Preamble
AGREED that the generosity of the Market Traders be noted.
5.30 - 6.30pm

Preamble

ItemPreamble
M
15/09		Councillor Mrs Beaumont proposed Councillor Mrs Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Dalgarno.

Councillor Cook proposed Councillor Noble, seconded by Ms Hutchison.

Upon a vote being held Councillor Noble received the majority vote.
M
16/09		Members were informed that the outstanding issues regarding the catering van had been resolved and Thornfield had committed to involve traders in assessing options for replacing canopies and stalls in an effort to improve the appearance of the market.

Traders had expressed concern regarding a drop in trade, however it was anticipated that it would improve with the forthcoming opening of a new anchor store, Lidl, at the north end of the centre.

In addition, concerns were raised regarding car parking and lack of toilet facilities especially early in the morning. However, Officers advised that there was ample short stay parking and traders could possibly use the toilet facilities in the Library and Subway earlier in the morning and ASDA and the Pavilion once they opened. It was agreed that no toilet facilities were available between 6pm and 8pm.
M
17/09		Members were advised that over the past two months the Farmers Market had been cancelled due to a shortage of traders. Despite trialling the monthly market on Friday's to share the increased footfall associated with the regular Friday Market, the events had to be cancelled. Research was being undertaken amongst privately managed farmers' markets to eliminate the high degree of staff resources required to operate these markets but it could prove to be too prohibitive.

A successful Farmers' Market was held in Saltburn which was run by a private operator; however they required their vehicles to be in the Town Centre which would be problematic in Stockton Town Centre on market days.

Members requested that they continued to be advised of the progress on this matter.
M
18/09		Members were advised that the dates of the Christmas Market for 2009 had been revised from 18th - 23rd December 2009 to 17th - 20th December 2009 to coincide with the regular markets on Friday and Saturday only. Previously suggested integration ideas were being assessed, whilst a proposal for a European Market in front of the Castlegate Centre was to be finalised.

It was observed that the signage for the Christmas Market had been poor in 2008 and this needed to be rectified for this year's event.
M
19/09		Traders requested confirmation on which traders would be affected by displacement during the Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF).

Officers advised that the same traders who were displaced in 2008 would be displaced again and they had already been advised. The displacement would only take place on the Saturday during SIRF.

Members requested that traders be advised on Saturday 25th July 2009 which traders were being displaced and the reason for displacement.
M
20/09		Members were advised that the newly formed Department for Business Innovation and Skills was currently looking for a "home" to deal with the market aspect of the Directive. The National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) were questioning BIS' understanding of market charters as they appeared to be unaware that the markets set up under legislation afforded market rights to local authorities. As such numerous local authorities used these rights to resist proposals for markets and car boot sales if within 6 and 2/3 miles of an existing market. This proposal to reduce anti-competitiveness was still being assessed although the Directive as proposed would not prevent the application of market rights where public policy grounds existed. Further clarification and consultation was required regarding this Directive before it was implemented in December 2009.

Members were advised that if public support was demonstrated, the rights to prevent Markets or Car Boot sales within a 6 and 2/3mile radius of an existing market could be enforced.

Reference was made to an alleged potential breach of the charter and it was proposed that Officers investigate the matter further and report back to Members.
M
21/09		Officers advised on the current balance of the Market Traders Promotional Fund. Traders reported of a proposal to sponsor the Butterwick Hospice in return for publicity.

Members were advised that a local table tennis player, who was competing abroad, could be sponsored by Stockton Markets, gaining international publicity and recognition.

  • Contact

  • Democratic Services

    Municipal Buildings
    Church Road
    Stockton-on-Tees
    TS18 1LD

  • 01642 526193 or 01642 528173

  • [email protected]

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