Agenda item

This report informs Members of a recent review of South Kesteven District Council operated street markets. The review includes factual data gathered during visits to the markets in Bourne, Stamford and Grantham. It also proposes a potential way forward for developing street markets.

The report was introduced by the Deputy Leader who acknowledged that the Market Deeping Market was the oldest within the District.  It was believed that the Market Charter was still held in Grantham by Sir Richard Tollemache.

It was important for the Council to work closely with market traders across South Kesteven in order to maintain their viability and maximise their potential, attract footfall and aid other businesses in a town to flourish.

On 6 September 2022, the Culture and Visitor Overview and Scrutiny Committee received an update on the Council’s markets.  Since then, the Council’s political make up had changed with street markets remaining a vital part of South Kesteven life which continue to contribute to wider social, economic and environmental strategic goals.

On 14 June 2023, a further report was presented to a meeting of the Governance and Audit Committee.  This outlined the findings of a review of the operational aspects of the Council’s markets service. That Committee approved an action plan and agreed to receive an update on the actions undertaken within three months of the meeting, recommending review of the market service be given further consideration by the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Economic Development Team periodically visited the markets in Bourne, Grantham and Stamford to observe stall occupancy levels, product offering, customer footfall, car parking movements and the general ambience on market days.

South Kesteven’s markets had been a focal point of local business for centuries, playing a key part in the social, cultural and economic life of the District.  However, the threat of decline had increased in recent years because shoppers had greater choice in how and where to purchase the goods, food and services traditionally associated with a street market.  It was essential that consideration was given to how best the markets could be improved.  The Deputy Leader recommended that the Committee consider the implementation of a ‘Task and Finish’ group to oversee a consultation where the best ideas could be used to make positive changes.

During discussion, Members raised the following points:

·            The report was welcomed as being thorough with interesting historical facts about the markets.

·            Reassurance was requested that the Council was committed to preserving, protecting and enhancing the markets.

·            The stallholders needed to be at the heart of any decisions made, as they were essential to the success of the markets and attracting people to the area.  Parking charges were an issue to be considered in Grantham.

·            More dialogue with shopkeepers in our various towns was suggested to note how their businesses were affected by the markets. 

·            There were existing bodies, such as the Charter Trustees that were also happy to take an interest in the local markets.  Was the creation of another group necessary?

·            Car parking charges and volume of traffic were an issue in Grantham on a Saturday.

·            Some elected Members were opposed to the setting up of a ‘Task and Finish’ group, considering the group as an unnecessary extra working group.  A positive way forward was requested through a simple action plan.

·            There was already a ‘Town Team’ for Grantham.  The markets could be removed from their remit to prevent duplication of work.

·            Elected Members were invited to visit the markets to show their support and speak to the stallholders.  Grantham Market was known to have traders leaving their pitch once they had sold all they had.

·            It was considered important to set a timescale to determine completion of a consultation, with elected Members from the whole district being involved.

·            The Task Group was likely to be a sub-group of the Committee, made up of democratically elected Members who could then decide who to consult.

The Deputy Leader confirmed the Council’s commitment to the markets as a way of maintaining the local economy and allowing entrepreneurs to flourish.  However, it was essential that value for money was considered.  Resources were not infinite.  There had to be consideration as to whether the Council were the best able to run the markets.  While members of the Grantham Civic Society and Charter Trustees were welcome to contribute, it would be problematic not to extend the collaboration to voices within the community.  The decision remained for the operation of the markets to be the responsibility of the Council, with engagement to be encouraged from all sections of the local community.  The Deputy Leader confirmed that he hoped to bring a report back to the Committee early in the new year at the meeting set for 9 January 2024.

A Member proposed that the Grantham Charter Trustees, alongside the Town Councils of Bourne and Stamford be tasked with overseeing the consultation of the markets.

This was seconded.

An amendment was proposed to confirm a timeframe within the consultation.

The Director for Growth and Culture informed Members that the Town Team had not yet been fully formed and if Members requested, it could look to oversee the consultation of the markets.

It was proposed, seconded, and AGREED that:

The Culture and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee:

a)         considered and commented on the contents of this report.

b)         that the Grantham Charter Trustees, alongside the Town Councils of Bourne and Stamford be tasked to overseeing a consultation regarding the future of markets, with the support of South Kesteven District Council, to report back with proposals to the Culture and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee.