Shropshire Star

Use it or lose it plea over Ellesmere market

Use it or lose it – that is the message from bosses of Ellesmere's weekly market who have seen visitor numbers fall.

Published

People in Ellesmere are being urged to use their weekly Tuesday market or risk losing it forever.

The concerns have arisen after a fall in numbers due to local producers trying to compete with online shopping and nominated delivery options.

Lincoln McMullan, chairman of All Together Ellesmere, which leases the market hall, said the market has previously attracted more than 20 sellers, but this Tuesday's market only had about 10.

"Ellesmere can't be a market town without a market. If people don't start using it, it will be gone forever," he said.

"There is a lack of people going into the market hall. If people don't turn up producers don't turn up; if producers don't turn up then people won't turn up. It's a vicious circle.

"We had 10 on Tuesday and we previously have had over 20. We could get 30 in easily. We get 35 in there for the food and drink festival.

"I regularly ask how the guys have got on. Some say bad, some say not bad, and some say it has been a good week.

"But at the moment we are not getting enough and the traders are getting disheartened. To make it bigger we need people to spend and they just aren't at the moment.

"The traders are only there once a week on a Tuesday and they are local producers who should be supported.

"It's not just in Ellesmere, it's markets everywhere that seem to be struggling.

"We have also got shops starting to close. If people don't support local shops, they will close too."

All Together Ellesmere took over the running of the market hall, which had previously operated at a loss, in 2013 from Shropshire Council.

Recent work to tidy up the Scotland Street building has involved creating a new kitchen thanks to a grant of £11,620 from Shropshire Council's Market Towns Revitalisation Programme.

Work to repair the leaking roof has also been completed.

Mr McMullan, who is also a member of Ellesmere Chamber of Trade and Commerce, added: "We have spent a lot of time to keep the building going. It is good the hire of the hall is improving but a big concern the Tuesday market is dwindling."

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.