New traders are being encouraged to take up stalls in a bid to breathe fresh life into Pudsey Market.
Leeds City Council’s market services team are now offering periods of reduced and free rent to new traders, as well as rewards to existing stall holders who introduce new traders to the market.
The market, which dates back to Victorian times, has suffered from the rise of online shopping and the lure of supermarkets, but many feel Pudsey’s market still has a bright future – if it’s managed properly.
One trader, who asked not to be named, told The Dispatch:
“It’s good the council are doing this, we need to bring new traders to the market to fill all the stalls and offer a wider range of produce.
“There is still a demand for local markets like this if they’re looked after properly, but the council just left us to drift for too long. It’s good to see things finally happening, there’s a great atmosphere here on market days.”
Shopper Margaret Varley is a regular at the market. She said:
“It’d be great to get more variety here. I love coming here, the traders are so friendly, there’s a good banter which you can’t get at supermarkets.”
Efforts to rejuvenate Pudsey Market also includes a locally run Yorkshire Produce and Craft Market, which has been running monthly since last autumn.
The moves have been welcomed by politicians in the town.
Cllr Simon Seary (Cons, Pudsey) said:
“I met with the Markets Team shortly after being elected last year, as it was clear that the market was heading towards terminal decline.
“I put a number of proposals, including reduced rents on certain days, to the council and I am pleased to see that these interventions, together with the boost of the monthly Farmers’ Markets, will hopefully start to show fruit.”
Cllr Richard Lewis (Labour, Pudsey) also welcomed fresh moves to attract new traders to Pudsey Market. He said:
“It’s important that Pudsey Market has a wide range of goods on offer and we’re currently struggling. Current trading conditions are difficult, but markets offer a reasonably price retail space for start-up business to try out before committing to a more permanent option.
“I’m really pleased we were able to get this new scheme in place and I would heartily recommend any budding traders to get there name down and give it a go.”
Pudsey Market currently is open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, from 8.30am until 3.30pm.
More details on how to become a trader are available here.
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