Northleach charter market to move (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Northleach charter market to move from the Market Square to The Green

12:00pm Saturday 2nd February 2013 in News By Ian Craig

AN HISTORIC Cotswolds charter market could be set to move locations.

Northleach and Eastington Town Council recently voted to move the weekly market on a trial basis from its current location in the market square to nearby The Green.

Town council chairman Cllr Neil Fletcher said traffic was unable to park in the square from late on a Tuesday and throughout Wednesday, which caused problems for visitors and other people in the town.

“It’s not always been a happy situation,” he said. “It’s been disrupting traffic and other traders in the town.”

Cllr Brian Hulcup said, while he agreed with the idea of moving the market to The Green, it was important to consult with residents before they did so.

“If we immediately go into The Green we are going to get a lot of aggravation,” he said. “We should talk to them and try and address their concerns.”

Cllr Nick Blades said this was an opportunity for the market to offer a wider range of goods to the community.

“When the market was first mooted it was said it would bring a lot more choice to Northleach, especially for people who cant drive,” he said.

“As it happens the vast majority is fruit and veg which the Londis sells so it would be a great benefit if we could bring in something that’s not available.”

For full reaction to this story see next week’s Standard.