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Review of street markets to be discussed

Published: 08/03/2018

Flintshire County Council’s Community and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee will discuss a report on the future of street markets when it meets next week. Street markets in Flintshire and across the UK have declined in size over the years. With the exception of Mold market, which remains successful, the remaining street markets in Flintshire only attract small numbers of market traders and limited customer numbers which threatens their sustainability. A review has been carried out as well as consultations with the Town Councils in Connah’s Quay, Flint and Holywell. Consultation meetings have also been held with market traders in Flint and Holywell. The recommendations from this review are: permanently close Flint street market provisionally agree to the transfer of the operation of the Connah’s Quay street market to Connah’s Quay Town Council, subject to confirmation from the Town Council and agreement of terms; continue to operate Holywell street market on an interim basis but continue discussion with Holywell Town Council on future cost saving options. Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Derek Butler, said: “Markets generally contribute to the economic and social vitality of towns and can bring more people into town to benefit the wider businesses and services. This is still true in Mold, but the other markets have reduced in size considerably in the last four years, despite promotion and growth initiatives across all market towns. “In this current economic climate, with the Council needing to find further efficiencies on top of the £79m cuts in spending made over the last ten years, it is not realistic to sustain a substantial loss of income into the future. “We appreciate the concern of local residents, especially those who signed the petition to keep Flint market, and this decision is not being taken lightly.” The recommended changes, if approved, would reduce the funding deficit for the service by £21,000 each year.