Agenda item

Members received a report updating them on the management and operation of the Borough’s markets and also set out future priorities and actions.

 

In January Members considered a report which outlined the changes and improvements that had been made at the markets during 2013.  A summary of progress since then was provided on the following areas:

 

·       Refurbishment work to the Public Toilets – This was completed in March and had received positive feedback form customers and traders.

 

·       Wifi Access – This work was completed in April 2014.

 

·       Traders Committee – had met twice in 2014 and meetings included the Portfolio Holder for Physical Environment.  Meetings reported to be positive with traders requesting increased frequency.  It was noted that an amendment to the arrangements to allow traders to express an opinion on potential applications had been made.

 

·       Marketing and Promotions – details of the Love Your Local Market (LYLM) Promotional Event that took place in May, and the Widnes on Sea Promotional Event that will take place between 23 July and 26 July, were provided.

 

·       Power Supply – A review of the power supply consumption in both the indoor and outdoor market had been undertaken. 

 

·       Future Priorities and Actions – A cost benefit analysis was being undertaken which had so far focussed on: Occupancy/vacancy rates; Rental Income; Rental Arrears; Expenditure; and Return on Investment.

 

It was reported that a review of market hall rents had also taken place which focussed on a payment system that more accurately reflected an equitable distribution of expenditure/cost across the market, and satisfactorily distinguished between popular or, conversely, difficult to let stalls.

 

Members welcomed the information and debated issues raised in the presentation by officers.  The following points were noted:

 

·       83% of market stalls in Widnes Market were presently rented with 94% of traders paying on time;

 

·       There were a total of 12 regular traders in Runcorn;

 

·       In 12 months the amount of arrears had reduced by 25%;

 

·       One third of the arrears were over 24 months old and historical, in some cases the debtors were no longer in the market;

 

·       The stalls were measured recently to establish the m² and the Council would be looking at pitch locations with a view to charging more for the prime spots;

 

·       The future priorities for the market were discussed and officers suggested that:

a)    a 3 year business plan was needed to tie in with the regeneration of the Town Centres;

b)    rent arrears should be pursued;

c)     the market protocols should be updated and revised; and

d)    a charging policy should be developed.

 

·       Members commented regarding the competition created for markets in recent times with online shopping, in that many items were cheaper than markets and people were choosing to shop this way which in turn affected market traders. 

 

·       Mr Bernard Crompton, the caretaker at Widnes Market, had recently passed away.  Members wished to convey their condolences to his family and friends.

 

RESOLVED:  That the Board:

 

1.     note the contents of the report; and

 

2.     agree that the future priorities listed above be focused upon.