Market revolution is welcomed

Justin Brierley

Market traders are behind plans to inject new life into Oldham’s outdoor market — but worried about the new gazebo-style stalls.

Around 45 traders went to a meeting at Gallery Oldham to hear about the £475,000 plans from council officers and members.

Earlier this month, plans were unveiled to move stalls to Albion Street for the Christmas rush. The area behind the market hall will also be repackaged as a specialised shopping area, with the potential for farmer’s markets, specialised Asian markets and flea and antique stalls.

And there are plans to replace old stalls with gazebo-style huts which can be taken down at the end of each trading day.

Justin Brierley, chairman of the Market Traders’ Association, said: “It was very positive and very forward thinking. People who saw the plans were quite vibrant but they have still got to be tweaked here and there.”

Justin, who runs a shoe stall in the Tommyfield Market Hall, said: “I have been an outdoor trader and if I still was I would approve very much.

“We are not going to go through a process of change without upsetting people, but we are meeting again in four weeks.”

But a regular Wednesday flea market trader, Dawn Speed, was disturbed to find there were no decisions about where the Wednesday second hand market will go.

She said: “No one wants putting into gazebos — they are flimsy and Oldham market is the worst for weather. Why can’t they keep the metal stands?”

Outdoor trader Tariq Mahboob said: “There was a positive feeling. Provided they listen to us, let’s see what happens. But we don’t want these demountable stalls — we can’t work from tables.”

Councillor Mohib Uddin, cabinet member for regeneration, who headed the group which has been studying successful markets, said: “I was pleasantly surprised with the comments from market traders. This is the first stage in a consultation process and we agreed to meet again. Everyone agreed that we do need investment.

“I know people said we have been here before but the money is available for the next two years, and we want this in place and operational before Christmas, to get the benefit. There were concerns about the gazebo stalls, but that was clarified by a man from the markets’ federation.

“They will really be the best ones on the market.”