Page 18 - MarketTimesJune2016
P. 18
NEWS
Market Times • June 2016
The search is on for a partner for Darlington Market
THE search for a potential partner to enhance Darlington Market has begun in earnest.
And traders have been reassured they can play their part in a “once in a lifetime opportunity” for the historic market.
Traders were shocked earlier this year when Darlington Borough Council announced that it wanted to offload the running of the market, which it said needed £4 million of investment. They were given first refusal to form a cooperative to run their market and the then NMTF National President Michael Nicholson met with traders to offer his support.
Since then there have been constructive discussions and the council is now looking for a partner, agreeing to spend £200,000 on essential repairs to make it a more attractive proposition for such a joint venture.
This will include repairs to the roof and guttering to make the building watertight and replacing the electrical system and fire alarm.
Angela Smedley, NMTF branch chair for Darlington
The aim is to carry out the work with minimum disruption.
The council has said that it could take a year to find a partner and it will involve traders in the process.
The proposal is that the partner company would take over the covered market, the adjoining old town hall, the shop units and the outdoor market, whilst the town hall clock will remain the responsibility of the council.
Coun Nick Wallis, cabinet member
for leisure and local environment, said: “Our discussions with traders have been very positive and we see this as a once in a lifetime opportunity to enhance Darlington markets.
“Agreement on the process for selection is an important first step in our search for a private sector partner with whom we can deliver a
Merthyr Tydfil farmers market is back to top form
MERTHYR Tydfil Farmers Market, the only event of its kind in the South Wales Valleys, is on the up after a brief closure.
The monthly market at Graham Way on the High Street stopped operating late last year because of difficulties finding a stall service provider.
It resumed in April and more traders are set to join the market that is held on the first Friday of every month.
New recruits include a local chilli sauce producer, Chilli of the Valley, and Fairtrade Merthyr, which offers Fairtrade products including chocolate, cereals and biscuits.
Market manager Chris Hall said: “I was very happy with the way the first markets went, and it will improve still further the longer we go.”
refreshed, exciting and sustainable market — both indoor and outdoor.”
Angela Smedley, NMTF branch Chair for Darlington, said: “We traders recognise the need for change and improvement and welcome the opportunity to work together with the council in selecting a private partner.”
OBITUARY
— Ted Skett
TED SKETT, who launched the market operator E G Skett and Co 60 years ago, has died aged 84.
Ted began selling army surplus on Kidderminster Market after completing his National Service in 1951.
He met his wife, Betty, there and together they started a haberdashery business with stalls and shops across the Midlands where he was known as Mr Buttons.
In 1956 he was approached to manage Stratford-upon-Avon Market that his company continued to run until 2011.
He set up one of the first farmers’ market and went on to run other markets including Warwick and Banbury. Ted campaigned for the introduction of Sunday trading and launched successful Sunday markets on airfield sites.
He leaves three children, seven grandchildren and one great grandson.
Sketts continues to thrive as a family-run firm.
Shanaaz Carroll to head ATCM
SHANAAZ CARROLL has been appointed the permanent Chief Executive of the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM).
Shanaaz had been interim CEO since the departure of predecessor Martin Blackwell about 18 months ago, and now the ATCM board has confirmed her in the position.
ATCM Chairman Alexander Nicoll said: “I and the Board of ATCM are delighted that Shanaaz will continue her work on behalf of our membership in the capacity of Chief Executive.
“Shanaaz has demonstrated her qualifications for the role after participating in an advertised and open selection process.
“She has a sure grasp of issues of concern to all involved in the diverse world of place management covering, as it now does, partnerships and organisations with
18
broad reach across public, private and third sectors.
“Under our banner Helping People Make Great Places I am confident that ATCM can build on its strengths under Shanaaz’s leadership as Chief Executive.”
Shanaaz said: “I am really excited to be taking on the permanent role, having been involved in town centre management for more than 20 years.”