Fears ending reduced rent initiative will have 'catastrophic effect' on Market Drayton market
Fears have been raised over plans to potentially scrap a reduced rent initiative for stallholders at Market Drayton's indoor market.
Supporters of the indoor market say the increase in rent for stallholders could have a "catastrophic" impact on its future and Market Drayton's future viability as a market town.
A final decision is yet to be made by Shropshire Council over whether to maintain the temporary stall reduction fee, which was put in place earlier this year as part of an initiative to revive the indoor market.
The market's operator, LSD Promotions, recently welcomed the success of the initiative which has resulted in the market reaching maximum capacity, while it has also seen a "remarkable upturn" in footfall.
However, supporters fear these positive changes could be undone if the council does decide to increase the rent after the temporary initiative comes to an end on September 30.
Stallholders are currently paying £10 (per stall) per day – or £20 per week – for the two market days of Wednesday and Saturday.
This was around £40 per week before the initiative was introduced and the market had only a few mainstay traders.
Shropshire Council has proposed to offer a 25 per cent reduction on the standard rate for two months after September 30, reverting back to the original rate in December.
But some believe the increase in rent is not viable, especially for stallholders selling small items at £2 each.
