Fears ending reduced rent initiative will have 'catastrophic effect' on Market Drayton market

A final decision is yet to be made by Shropshire Council over whether to maintain the temporary stall reduction fee, which was put in place earlier this year as part of an initiative to revive the indoor market.

The market's operator, LSD Promotions, recently welcomed the success of the initiative which has resulted in the market reaching maximum capacity, while it has also seen a "remarkable upturn" in footfall.

However, supporters fear these positive changes could be undone if the council does decide to increase the rent after the temporary initiative comes to an end on September 30.

Stallholders are currently paying £10 (per stall) per day – or £20 per week – for the two market days of Wednesday and Saturday.

This was around £40 per week before the initiative was introduced and the market had only a few mainstay traders.

Shropshire Council has proposed to offer a 25 per cent reduction on the standard rate for two months after September 30, reverting back to the original rate in December.

But some believe the increase in rent is not viable, especially for stallholders selling small items at £2 each.

Gemma Connell, whose mum Mary runs Mary's Meats, has said the rent increase would have a devastating impact on the market.

"We are in dire straits. Pretty much all the stalls will go. On behalf of my mum, she said she doesn't know if she could stay because she feels she will be the only one there and then the footfall will drop again, it's just so upsetting.

"It's full to the brim now and everybody is fighting this all the way. Customers have said this is fantastic, it's the biggest area in Drayton where people can shop for different things. You have got clothes, cakes, plants, there's a lady who does embroidery and sewing.

"We had the open event which was a massive success. I did have tears in my eyes because the hard work was really paying off but then I don't know what has gone on.

"For some people who go in to the market, it's their lifeline. People who never used the market before are now using it."

LSD Promotions said the rent reduction had caused a "ripple effect" which has led to an influx in traders to the point where the hall is now "thriving" at full capacity.

Not only that, but a good rapport between customers and traders has been established, with members of the local community choosing to actively 'support local'.

Mayor of Market Drayton Roy Aldcroft said: "I feel any increase before Christmas could have a catastrophic effect on the operation of the indoor market and its future in the New Year.

"If it (rent reduction) wasn't extended I think most of the stallholders will be considering their future seriously and bearing in mind that both markets are the jewel of the crown as far as Market Drayton goes – the name is the clue.

"We have a very successful agricultural market, the street market is struggling and the indoor market is really showing what can be done with an initiative from Shropshire Council, the Town Council and LSD Promotions.

"It would be a shame to destroy that working relationship and in the process lose the indoor market and the income it brings to the town."

Mayor Aldcroft said negotiations were ongoing with Shropshire Council.

He added: "We would like to negotiate that any increases don't take place until after Christmas, at which point we can have a full review with all parties involved and hopefully come to a good compromise."

A spokesperson for LSD Promotions said it recognises the current economic challenges and has seen a "remarkable transformation of the market since the reduced rents were introduced.

"It has flourished into a vibrant hub, filled with a diverse range of small local businesses that not only attract shoppers but contribute significantly to the thriving Market Drayton community," they said.

"The positive impact of the reduced rent on our stallholders and the market as a whole has been undeniable. Footfall has surged, traders have thrived, and Market Drayton residents have benefited from a more dynamic and varied shopping experience.

"We firmly believe that the reduced rent is a reflection of the economic challenges faced by businesses in today's climate. It is a cost that is not only fair but essential for the growth and sustainability of our small local businesses.

"We are committed to continuing our dialogue with Shropshire Council to seek a solution that allows us to maintain the current rent structure. We believe that together, we can ensure the continued success and growth of the Market Drayton Indoor Market, however LSD Promotions does not have the jurisdiction to make decisions on rent structures.

Shropshire Council has been approached for comment.