Shropshire Star

Oswestry market in need of new traders amid challenges

New traders are needed for Oswestry’s outdoor market, according to the town council’s clerk.

Published

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

Speaking at a meeting on Wednesday, November 6, Oswestry Town Council Clerk Arren Roberts said that statistics are showing that the town's markets are struggling.

“The long and short of it is we need new traders for the outdoor market,” said Mr Roberts.

“I’ve challenged the retail markets manager to start recruiting others and to start to look how we operate the winter market and the summer market because they are very different.

Mike Breeze, one of the traders at Oswestry market
Mike Breeze, an Oswestry market trader

“At times in the winter, there are several gazebos down the street and it doesn’t feel like a market. Ultimately, we need to bring back a policy round desk, but I think it’s really important we have a strong offer and that a market feels like a market and not a collection of stalls.”

Mr Roberts added that the cafe’s extraction system in the indoor market also needs upgrading, but he has found it difficult to get quotes from companies.

“It’s something we need, we can’t postpone it,” said Mr Roberts.

“We are still pursuing quotes that are compliant with financial regulations. It’s a health and safety issue and does affect people’s businesses.”

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.