Market traders demand answers from council

Glossop market traders are demanding urgent answers from High Peak Borough Council as they can see no end in sight from scaffolding problems, access issues and worry as to their future. 

The market hall is to be the subject of a Heritage Lottery funding bid once scaffolding work concludes.

But traders have said the plans do not guarantee they would be able to return to their businesses should the bid be successful – with many feeling left in the dark by the council. 

Suzanne Williamson, 33, who owns Narnia Furniture and Homewares within the indoor market, says information traders have been given has been ‘vague’ since the first bid back in 2017.

“When we were originally told the council was applying for the grant we all got taken into a meeting where they told us we’d possibly move to another building, but there wasn’t actually any proper plans in place. 

“They offered us a prefab building outside but as to when we’d come back into the market, we were told that nobody was guaranteed a stall in the new market. 

“From the plans there were about seven shops, similar to the arcade, but it would be in the indoor market with a big bar in the middle. 

“But there are 30 stalls now, so it’s very worrying. From a trader’s point of view, from what we’ve been told and paperwork we’ve been given – none of it marries up to what’s actually been said.” 

Graham Holt, 70, who is the chairperson of the Market Traders’ Committee and owns the Shifting Gear stall, said issues have left traders feeling undervalued in a ‘dark and uninviting market’ - despite best efforts from caretaker David Shaw.

“The market hall is in a state of despair with a rundown, shoddy appearance - water has been pouring in at places lately… if it wasn’t for David we’d be lost. 

“The market, which feels dark and uninviting, is only promoted by the traders themselves, who work really hard to put on a good show with bright, attractive and fully-stocked stalls.

“But not much overall promotion takes place and traders run their own seasonal events to try and increase footfall – all the traders are customers of the council, but we don’t feel valued and there is a serious lack of communication.” 

Traders are passionate about keeping the place alive, with plans to start a public campaign to ‘save the market’ over the upcoming weeks. 

Suzanne added: “The reason I’m so passionate is that the market has been a part of my life as far as I can remember – and I can’t watch all these people lose their businesses without doing something about it. 

“It’s my livelihood as well as theirs and I know exactly how it would feel if nobody fought for it.” 

Cllr Anthony Mckeown, Leader of the Council, said: “We are aware of the issues raised by the traders and we are working to address them. 

“We will be contacting the market traders directly in the next few days to keep them informed of progress with the work to replace the town hall roof and to provide them with more information about future plans for the buildings.”

If you want to show your support for Glossop Market you can sign an in-house petition, which will be spread across stalls or by signing online at www.change.org/p/high-peak-borough-council-help-to-save-glossop-market-the-town-centre.