Regular market traders fear they will be given the boot when the planned refurbishment takes place at Wem Town Hall.
The regular Thursday market takes place in the town’s hall and it is part of the town charter that the market continues. But stall holders are concerned that when the hall is closed for a three month revamp there will be nowhere else to go. Pat Rowlands, North Shropshire District Council market superintendent, said many traders had expressed their concerns and she was working to find a new home for the market.
She said: “The traders are very concerned because they do not want the market to disappear for three months.
“I am very concerned about this too because there isn’t anywhere in Wem for the market to go.
“I am looking into the old Co-op shop that used to be in the centre of High Street as it is a big place. I think there is somebody in there but they are not using all of it, only part of it.
“The market is chartered and we do have to offer alternative accommodation. Whatever happens, I will try to find the traders somewhere. We don’t want to lose the market.”
Jenny Lavine, spokesperson for the market traders, said: “On behalf of Wem market traders it would be good to receive assurance that the weekly Thursday market will continue during the refurbishment, or be re-located to a suitable site. I would expect a member of the consortium to contact me or one of the other traders as a matter of courtesy.”
Sue Gainsborough from Thomas Adams School is a key figure in the redevelopment of the town hall and said that she too was concerned about the market’s relocation.
She said: “The district council runs the market so it will be their responsibility. While we are very sympathetic to the concerns market traders have, and we share in that, our focus is on the town hall and getting it up and running.”
Pauline Dee, who spoke in support of the task and finish group, said:“We want to make sure the markets continue and get all the help to promote them and make them as profitable as possible.”
