Concerns over Northleach market move (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Concerns over Northleach charter market move

12:00pm Saturday 9th February 2013 in Cotswolds news By Ian Craig

THE NEWS that the historic charter market in Northleach could be set to move into a residential street has been met with concern by residents and traders.

At a recent meeting of Northleach with Eastington Town Council it was decided to move the market on a trial basis from its current location on the Market Square to nearby residential street The Green in an effort to relieve parking problems.

Although councillors promised they would consult with residents regarding the plans, many have said they are not convinced the idea is a good one.

Mike Tapsell, resident of The Peep off The Green, said the move would cause serious traffic issues.

“I personally am somewhat aggrieved that we were not given the opportunity to air any view regarding this move and the inconvenience that it may cause us,” he said.

The Green resident Donald Sullivan described the decision as “somewhat eccentric”.

“The market place is called the market place because they have the market there,” he said.

“If they are going to move it why are they going to move it into a residential area?”

Geoff Green, who runs the fruit and veg stall at the market, said it would be very difficult for him and other traders to operate from The Green.

“We could get the truck through there but only just and all the resident’s cars would have to be moved which would be very inconvenient for them,” he said.

“They just haven’t thought it out – it’s going to be absolute chaos.”

He added he believed the market brought tourists into the area ad that this would be lost if the plans went ahead.

“We’re visible and people know where we are,” he said.

“If we move people will pass through the town and not know we are here.”

He added he was concerned the council had not consulted with residents and traders regarding the plans.

Stallholder David Margetts, who is on hand every week selling plants, said he was perplexed by the plans.

“As far as I understand it the area in The Green is parking for residents,” he said. “I don’t understand how this would work.”

Town council chairman Neil Fletcher said the council was currently looking at how the plans can be moved forward and would be able to discuss more details at their next meeting on February 27.