Is it the end for Featherstones market?

[yetion1]

Sadly it looks like the cuts could be hitting Featherstone again. There will be a market stall holder meeting this Wednesday regards alterations to markets in the WMDC area.
Hemsworth looks set to go. Featherstone will probably also go whilst Pontefract will go to a 3 or 4 day week.
Lets hope its good news.

[seneca bond]

will it be missed much? You can get the stuff they sell there just about anywhere.
it did make the god awful square look a little less, but not much more desolate I suppose.

[yetion1]

A report on options for the future delivery of Wakefield district markets is on the agenda for the Council's Cabinet on June 14.

The markets review is part of the Council’s overall review of its services agreed at its budget meeting in March. The Council is faced with saving £67m over the next four years due to Government funding cuts.

The report identifies four “non-core” markets at Hemsworth, Featherstone, Normanton and South Elmsall, and seeks approval to start negotiations with other interested parties on how these markets might be delivered in the future.

It further proposes negotiations around the potential sale, or partial sale, of sites used for Hemsworth and South Elmsall markets. If this happens, these markets could operate from different locations.

Cllr David Dagger, Cabinet member responsible for markets, said: “We know how valuable markets are to local communities but it is a sad fact that trade has dropped off at some markets since the recession and we need to ensure we are providing value for money.

“The Council is faced with taking some very tough decisions due to the financial situation we find ourselves in. We are looking at whether non-core markets could be delivered more sustainably in the future. That may include asking other organisations to come forward and run non-core markets so they can continue serving their communities. The report to Cabinet marks the start of that process.”

Graham Wilson, Chief Executive of the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA), said the action being taken by Wakefield Council was entirely consistent with the approach being recommended nationally by NABMA and being followed by other local authorities around the country.

“We want local authorities to look at a whole range of management models for markets to make sure they are delivered in a way that is fit for purpose. Wakefield’s action in talking to other organisations and looking at different ways of providing markets is completely in line with our recommendations and we welcome the steps being taken,” said Mr Wilson.

[seneca bond]

demolish the whole desolate windswept graffiti scarred place and build something interesting, inviting and useful

[Kim685]

Did I read somewhere that the row of shops at the back of the precinct are to be demolished?

[Forkhandles]

Yes Kim, thats what i heard too

[yetion1]

Featherstone Market

The market traders have been approached by WMDC officials and Featherstone Cllrs and offered a deal that goes like this

1.   The market traders provide their own insurance
2.   The market trader’s dispose of their own waste.
3.   The market traders pay a pepper corn rent. (£1 per year)
4.   WMDC will donate the market stalls.
5.   WMDC will donate a metal container for stall storage, to be parked on the WMDC part of the car park.

Could it be that easy?
1.   WMDC have or are just about to sell the car park to a super market developer.
2.   When a super market is built there will be no near by parking only distant paying parking.
3.   Market traders insurance will create a double indemnity situation. Who pays out on a Thursday if someone trips up?

Lets hope the market stays for the long term and not just a publicity exercise.

[Forkhandles]

Its always been a poor excuse for a market,and its got worse over the years,i for one wouldn't miss it.

[Victor]

I was talking to the bloke who sell trainers/etc this morning and hes on about packing it all in after 30 years at Ponte and Fev, I always used to get me kids trainers off him on Ponte market and thats 25 years ago, good bloke and always got a good deal.

[yetion1]

Oh dear, very sad. What happened to the Town Council taking over?

[yetion1]

Many will have seen the P & C reports showing Featherstone Town Council taking over the town market. Why are they not bragging about the new town centre skate park they have also created out of the stalls?
Since the take over the stalls now arrive the day before the market and not early morning just before. This had been changed years ago due to the regular damage that was caused to the stalls during the night.
For the last two weeks Featherstone youths have taken the stalls apart and created a skate park. The youths must have permission because the police walk and drive past and do not question the area. WMDC cameras watch the scene yet there is no reaction. The camera room will have reported the area but the break down comes when action is needed by the police.
A further question is who will pay for the damage? Will repairs be paid for by the town council or WMDC?

[yetion1]

Interesting from the Town Council minutes;

"Featherstone Market The Town Clerk provided an update on the arrangements in respect of the proposed take over of the market by the Town Council and indicated that Wakefield MDC was wanting to hand over the management of the market from 19 January. The Town Clerk indicated that there were still issues to be resolved with Wakefield MDC and he was disappointed that Wakefield had not responded with all the information that had been requested. After a discussion on the options available, the Town Council agreed that it was in the interests of the market for the Town Council to take over the market with effect from 19 January and deal with the outstanding matters following the take over.
 RESOLVED that the Town Council take over responsibility for the Featherstone market from 19 January and that the Mayor take part in a photo"

So regardless of proper finance being in place it appears a photo shoot by the mayor is a correct option to take instaed of safe guarding public funds. Our public funds.

[yetion1]

How much longer is Featherstone Council going to ignore the fact which many predecessors have learnt many years before. If you put the market stalls up over night in the precinct they get trashed not to mention the area becoming a skate park that the public look on as somewhere that is un-safe and subsequently avoid
Wednesday this week at 9pm the police were called by CCTV to the precinct as the market stalls had been turned over and parts used to attempt to damage the plastic canopy. Who should the shop keepers send the bill to?