MELKSHAM market’s return to the Market Place has been hailed a success by shoppers and traders in the town following its move from Church Street.
The weekly market was moved to outside the Town Hall after Wiltshire Council admitted its location in Church Street car park was not visible enough. The decision was also made following a decreasing number of stalls and shoppers using the market when it was in Church Street.
The early indications is that the revamped market now in the Market Place will be more popular and have more chance of surviving after the shoppers turned out in force at its new visible location.
Adam Slade a shopper at the first market in the Market Place said, “It’s great to see it back here where it should be. I completely forgot the market was on today but because I saw it when I come into town, it meant I went to see what was available. There is no doubt the market has more chance of surviving here compared to where it was before, tucked away behind Iceland. It seems busy and long may it continue, with hopefully more stalls to follow.”
Wiltshire Council markets officer, Tracey Morris said, “We had a very good start in the Market Place. Traders reported a rise in custom and footfall. Taylor’s Bakery reported they had had an excellent day and were looking forward to next week. Customers welcomed the new more visible location and were delighted to see a market back in Melksham Market Place.
“We did have a few problems with cars parking on the market and impeding the traders and blocking access to Crown House and Melksham House, but these were quickly resolved.
“We have a new fish and seafood man whose trade exceeded his expectations and we hope to increase the number of traders in the very near future. I hope Melksham residents will continue to support the market in the future.”
Tom Ince, amenity partnership team leader for Wiltshire Council said, “Footfall at the Church Street market has declined steadily since its launch in September and one of the reasons identified is that the market is not visible enough.
“After discussions with local traders and Melksham Town Council, we decided to move the market into the Market Place every Tuesday. It is hoped the increased visibility of the market will increase footfall and trader numbers and make the market a valuable asset to the town.”
• What do you think of Melksham market’s new location? email us your thoughts to news@melkshamnews.co.uk
