£4.8m markets improvement programme to help traders and increase visitors

Traders and shoppers returning to Wakefield outdoor market following the lockdown have discovered a new look following investment by Wakefield Council.

As well as the introduction of branded gazebos, the council markets team has provided a grant to enable them to invest in new display units and racking.

This forms part of a wider £4.8m improvement programme across all the council’s markets in Wakefield, Ossett, Pontefract, Castleford, Normanton and South Elmsall, which has been designed to support the traders and increase visitors.

To make it more convenient for shoppers in the run up to Christmas, Wakefield Council is supporting additional trading days across all its markets, including Sunday 20 December.

David Spencer, who represents the traders on the market, said: “The new gazebos are a big step forward, as it gives it a really uniform appearance and makes us look really appealing and professional.

“They also provide much better weather protection for all of us, as they are completely waterproof, which is great when you are standing in all types of weather. Even when there is snow on the ground, you’ll find us at our stall.

“We are delighted the council is making this investment and we hope the good people of Wakefield will come and support us.”

Wendy Evans, who also represents the traders and has been operating on the market for nearly ten years, added: “We are all hoping that now lockdown has lifted, and we can start trading again, that people have saved enough Christmas money to spend on the market and support local businesses like us.”

Councillor Darren Byford, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Regeneration, said: “We are very pleased to welcome customers and traders to our fantastic markets.

“The new gazebos are part of our long terms plans to invest £4.8m to support the long term future of our markets which are great places to visit, offering a big choice and variety of goods and produce.

“It is important that we all shop local and support traders in our district, now and in the future, as they provide such an important service to residents and communities.

“Markets are safe places to visit and we’d remind everyone to follow the latest Government guidance.”