Decision details

Arising from a * report of the Town Centre and Market Manager regarding the Pannier Market, the Scrutiny Committee had recommended that the Council focus on three key aims for the Pannier Market:

a)            To deep clean and decorate the market hall within 3 months.

b)            To introduce a farmers market by end of May.

c)            To update all policies for the market and up signage including one for tolls by end of April.

The Chairman invited the Chairman of Scrutiny to introduce the item.  He explained that the recommendations had stemmed from a report of the Town Centre and Market Manager to the Committee and how discussions had taken place regarding aspirations for the market area and the time that it was taking for initiatives to commence.  The recommendations had been a request that timings be put in place for works to begin.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration explained that with regard to cleaning issues, there was a contract in place and that procurement was taking place for a new contract for cleaning.  It was not felt the tidying up of the market area should take 3 months and that there was a need to procure the right contract to include all the necessary requirements.  He felt the decoration of the market hall was an operational issue and had been highlighted within the Town and Market Strategy discussed at the previous meeting.

With regard to the Farmers Market ongoing discussions were taking place with the Market Team and the Town Centre and Market Manager and this issue would be discussed further at the Economy Policy Development Group.

With regard to policies and signage, again the Town Centre manager was working on these issues, some of which would be operational and some would come forward to the Economy Policy Development Group.  Signage to and from the market (to include other areas of the town) was also being considered.  Market tolls were already on the website, however traders would also have to bear in mind the required insurance.

Consideration was given to:

·         The need to kick-start improvements to the market

·         What would be a good day to hold a farmers market in Tiverton  and the ongoing work of the Town Centre and Market Manager

·         The need for policies to be in line with market law

·         How the events in the market area had an effect on the evening economy within the town.

It was therefore RESOLVED that:

a)  The recommendation from the Scrutiny Committee with regard to deep cleaning and decorating the market hall be NOTED.

b) The issues of the farmers market and the updating of policies for the market, signage and tolls be passed to the Economy Policy Development Group for consideration.

(Proposed by the Chairman)

Note: - *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.