Bosses of the town’s Sunday Market have reassured traders there are no plans to move the site despite concerns about falling numbers.
The contract to operate the open-air market at Harlescott, next to the £15 million Tesco Extra store, is due to end in January and management of the site has now gone out to tender for a three-year contract, covering the complete organisation and running of the market.
On Monday, questions will be asked about the site in Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council’s meeting.
Councillor David Farmer, vice-president of the National Association of British Market Authorities, said he had spoken to many of the stallholders and there was great concern.
“Originally there were between 150 and 200 stalls there and now it’s down to 50. The traders are very concerned about the situation,” he said. “They are complaining the cost of their stalls is too high.”
Councillor Tudor Bebb, portfolio holder for the market, will be questioned at the meeting about future plans by councillor Miles Kenny, amid rumours the site is experiencing problems. He will be asked about potential plans to relocate the market, whether Tesco has had an adverse affect on it, and whether loyal traders should be given more support from SABC.
Councillor Bebb said: “There’s been a few rumours running around but there are no plans whatsoever to relocate at this moment in time.
“We have had a lot of enquiries about the contract, including from LSD Promotions which operate it now, there’s every chance they could take it on again we will have to see.”
He said income was lower at present than when the market started and blames the credit crunch.
“Companies are feeling the pinch, once the credit crunch is over it should improve.”
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