Gazebo stalls to kick-start trade

NEW gazebo-style market stalls should be up and running in Oldham town centre by June.

The stalls will be set up in Albion Street and Curzon Street on market days, despite objections from four town centre traders. Officers are still working to get their agreement.

The contract for 39 stalls costing £45,800 has gone to a Cornish company, Instant Marquees Ltd.

The gazebos, which will be marked with the Oldham brand of the blue circle, will be put up and taken down on market days.

Work to install an electricity supply to the stall locations is also under way.

The contract has been approved by Elaine McLean, executive director for economy, places and skills.

Her report states: “The impact on the current outdoor markets is expected to be minimal as Friday’s outdoor market is currently a washout with very few traders.

“Saturday’s outdoor market is a specialist market with many of the existing traders unlikely to be allowed to move to the on-street market, ensuring the trade continues as normal.

“This project has been subject to extensive consultation with market traders and this is ongoing.”

Councillor Jackie Stanton, cabinet member for customer services, said: “We have had stalls on the streets before and we have demonstrated that traders can still get deliveries to their premises.

“But if they don’t want the new stalls, we won’t put them there. It is only a few stalls affected.

“We do need to introduce new commodities to the market, but other stall holders will be able to apply just like everyone else.

“It needs to be a complete mix for it to be successful.

“We have to have something a bit more unusual, something not seen in Oldham before.

“If you are selling what people want, they will come. Clearly on the market as it is, we are not selling what people want.

“We want to give everyone a fighting chance again to make a living.”

But one of the Tommyfield traders, who did not want to be named, said: “Friday is a washout because the council has allowed so many casuals on Saturday that it is full. People go then, but all the same stuff is being sold.”