Issue - meetings

(i)            That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the  Portfolio Holder to progress with officers and other interested parties a programme of market improvement arising from the National Association of British Market Authorities’ review of Newcastle-under-Lyme market.

(ii)          That progress made on market improvements be fed into the emerging Town Centre Plan.  

A report was submitted to Cabinet updating Members on the progress with the review and management of the market in the town centre and seeking authority to progress any actions arising so far.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Efficiency, Councillor Stephen Sweeney stated that the market traders were appreciative of the dialogue between themselves and the Council and they were happy to promote the market.

Various ideas had already come forward and some initiatives were being considered.

Members welcomed the report.  Councillor Mark Holland drew Members’ attention to paragraph  2.4 which outlines the economic benefits.  Councillor Paul Northcott stated that the success of  the market would impact upon the shops within the town centre as footfall was brought in.

The Leader, and Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Service Improvement, People and Partnerships,  Councillor Simon Tagg stated that the market was an important part of the town centre. 

Councillor Tagg proposed an additional recommendation (ii) be added which was agreed by Members.

Resolved:     (i)         That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive in

consultation with the  Portfolio Holder to progress with officers and other interested parties a programme of market improvement arising from the National Association of British Market Authorities’ review of Newcastle-under-Lyme market.

(ii)          That progress made on market improvements be fed into the emerging Town Centre Plan.