Issue - meetings

Arising from a report of the Town Centre and Market Manager regarding the Pannier Market, the Scrutiny Committee has 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.

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.

To receive a six monthly update regarding the Pannier Market.

The Committee had before it and NOTED a report * from the Town Centre and Market Manager regarding the Pannier Market.

The officer outlined the contents of the report highlighting areas of improvement such as monthly trader meetings, the use of flags to brighten up the interior, the extent that events increased footfall, the measuring of footfall, lock-ups were now fully let with a waiting list, promotional work on social media, work with PETROC, monthly inspections of the premises, new website and logo, cycle racks and the potential to use click and collect.

The officer informed Members that in his experience it could take up to three years to revive a market.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         A deep clean and decorate were underway and quotes had been received;

·         The officer had met with a market trader to discuss the formation of a farmers market and was currently undertaking work to find out which would be the best day of the week to hold this;

·         Policies were currently being updated and the officer had been in talks with DCC (Devon County Council) regarding the canal and the possibility of erecting signage there to direct visitors to the town centre and market;

·         The successful Crediton Farmers Market;

·         The success of South Molton Market which was assisted by still having a livestock auction market and it was only open on two days a week until 1pm. A number of traders had been attracted from there

·         The proposed erection of multi coloured canopies and the need to introduce colour to the area;

·         The possibility that DCC may wish to sell recycled goods from their recycling centre at the market;

·         National statistics that indicated that face to face shopping within shopping centres, town centres and markets was down year on year.

It was RECOMMENDED to Cabinet 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 put up signage including one for tolls by end of April.

(Proposed by Cllr Mrs J Roach and seconded by Cllr F J Rosamond)

Note: - i)         Report * previously circulated and attached to Minutes.

II)         Cllr N A Way declared a personal interest as he was a Crediton Town Councillor.