New boss is sought to run Church Stretton market

Wanted – someone to take over the running of one of Shropshire's oldest markets.

Church Stretton Town Council is hunting for bidders to take over its 675-year-old market franchise, it was revealed today.

Town council chiefs say they are considering offers for the Thursday Charter Market which has been operating in its current form since 2008. The market was taken over by the council in 2000 and has undergone various overhauls.

Council clerk Christine Harvey said a successful bidder could operate the market from as soon as April.

She said: "In 1337 King Edward III granted Church Stretton its charter to hold a Thursday market.

"This has been in existence over the ensuing years in various forms and held under the cover of two town halls.

"But is now open to the elements, save for the canopies on the market stalls, following the demolition in 1963 of the second structure on this site.

"The town council took over the running of the Thursday charter market from South Shropshire District Council in 2000 and it has undergone various overhauls during the past 10 years in order to keep it alive and thriving.

"In the main it sells fruit, vegetables, fish, meats, eggs, cheese, flowers, plants, preserves and occasional additional wares."

She added: "The current franchise has been running since 2008 and so the council felt it was time to consider the current terms and conditions and invite any interested parties to bid to run the franchise as from April 1, initially on a six-month-contract."

The news comes after the town's Saturday market was put on hold due to the tough economic climate.

Council chiefs say the Saturday market could re-launch in the summer. They add there is no threat to the Thursday market.

Anyone interested in bidding for the franchise can call the council on (01694) 722113 or e-mail townclerk@churchstretton-tc.gov.uk