Council still hopeful of Market go ahead
BSTC - 17th August 2010
Bradley Stoke Town Council are still hopeful a Farmers/Artisan Market in the Town will get the go-ahead. The monthly market was expected to start in October and was due to be held in the Town Square at the Willow Brook Centre, but advertising for the event has been put on hold following objections from traders at the centre. The Council's Leisure, Youth and Amenities committee were told of the objections last night and councillors expressed their disappointment, as initial discussions with the centre had been encouraging.
However, speaking after the meeting, committee chairman Cllr Robert Jones was keen to point out that the market had not yet been ruled out saying: "This is a setback, but we are hopeful it can still be resolved. We are sure that the market will be popular with residents and visitors alike, and we are working closely with the management at the Willow Brook Centre to reach agreement with all concerned."
Town Mayor Cllr Ben Walker meanwhile confirmed that if the Willow Brook Centre location was unavailable, alternative arrangements might still be made, saying: "If some of the shops don't want this market in the Town Square then we will try and hold it elsewhere. It's not an ideal solution, but it remains an option." adding "It would be a shame to hold it elsewhere, as this could take trade away from the centre and that is not what we want to happen."
