Market review fails to quell fears of traders

A NEW markets management team has been brought in to Tommyfield — but outdoor traders fear the market is still on the slide.

The team is part of a review of all Oldham’s markets being carried out by a group headed by Mohib Uddin, the councillor responsible for regeneration.

It includes Michelle Carr, the assistant director of regeneration, and Alan Hartwell, the interim markets’ manager, and has been meeting twice weekly as well as carrying out research.

But Labour councillors say all but one of the experienced markets staff have been replaced and traders at Tommyfield Market are concerned about how the market is currently being managed.

Councillor Shoab Akhtar, shadow cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “All the businesses in Oldham are suffering because of the economic downturn, but this is a double whammy for the market traders as the decision on the outdoor market has once again been delayed, alongside the market being managed by agency staff.

“There’s no doubt that the long-term future of the market is in doubt.”

Textile trader Khalid Hussain said: “Nothing is being discussed. Simple repairs are not being done, even getting a light changed. I organised a petition last year, but nothing has changed.”

And Mahmood Akram, who sells knitwear, added: “I bought my own nuts and bolts to repair the stall.

“We have been promised that they will stop casual traders duplicating what the regular traders sell, but we are waiting for things to change.”

Councillor Uddin urged them to be patient and said: “The council places great value on the role of the markets making a valuable contribution to the wider town centre economy.

“To support all our markets an experienced interim management team has been brought in which is currently reviewing the entire service.

“There has been years of lack of investment and no coherent strategy. Some of our markets work and some don’t.

“We hope to come forward with a report in the next couple of months. Rather than doing little things we have got to come up with a proper strategy looking at the longer term.

“We are looking at everything and nothing has been discounted.”

Indoor stall holder Justin Brierley, chairman of the market traders, added: “It is about how to move forward and bring the market up to date.

People must be getting frustrated but it is a matter of giving it time.”