Furore over market relocation plan

PLANS to move traders from the 750-year-old Stockport Market building to a former bank building have been put forward at a meeting of town council officials and stallholders last night.

Moves are afoot to relocate the traders to the former Lloyds TSB building on Great Underbank to make way for a “high quality” food and drink out let in the historic market hall.

But the plan has sparked protest from traders and customers who want the market to remain where it is.

The proposal has been motivated by concern over disappointing footfall levels in the hall with officials eyeing the success of Altrincham Market House – credited with revitalising its town centre – as an example of how the scheme could work.

Stockport Council says it is passionate about the market and wants to work with traders to ensure the town continues to have good quality, affordable and sustainable markets in the future.

Deputy leader Cllr Iain Roberts said: “We’re determined that Stockport keeps its markets and they regain the success they once enjoyed.

“To do that, we need to update the market offer so it better meets the needs of today’s shoppers.

“The meeting was part of our commitment to involve traders in decisions about markets.”

When the plans were first aired in public in September 2015, petition against the proposal was signed by more than 6,500 people in a matter of just days.
Campaigner Caryl Hughes, who organised the petition, called on Stockport Council to reverse its decision.

The 62-year-old retired teacher from Bredbury told The Manchester Evening News: “I think the market should stay where it is. It’s been there for 750-odd years.

“The council wants it to be open seven days a week, but they can do that with other things.

“They already have Foodie Friday and the Vintage Market one Sunday a month. They just need to increase events like that, not move them to the town centre.

“The proposals on the council website are very airy-fairy, very much basedon Altrincham (Market House), and that hasn’t helped the shops around it. It’s not going to help other businesses at all.

“People rely on the market, I rely on it for fresh fruit, vegetables and produce.”