Ups and downs of the gazebo
Date published: 26 August 2009
Horwich Market traders use gazebo-style stalls every Friday on half a car park in the town centre.
In wet weather there are side panels which can be fixed on and gutters which can be attached between the stalls to catch rainwater.
Goods are displayed on folding tables, but unlike Oldham’s plans, the stalls have no light or power.
The traders were previously in an indoor market, which was demolished and the land sold.
The gazebos are sturdy and held down with heavy weights but traders say that after only a few months of being put up and down, some have holes in them.
Some find it more difficult to display their goods, and have brought their steel racking from their old stall with them.
Most thought they were good for good weather but worried about when winter comes. They also grumbled that they had been taken away from the town centre and passing trade.
Visitor Simon Calligan, who trades from a Fleetwood fish van, thought the stalls looked smart but could be more colourful.
He added: “They have them in St Helens, in red and white for the rugby team and for Liverpool football club, so local people like it.”
