In a 4 hour special Council meeting, Lancaster’s indoor market was saved by a narrow margin after a close vote on a motion proposed by the Green Party– 24 in favour (Greens, Labour, 1 Tory and 2 independents), 19 Against (Lib Dems, most Conservatives, most MBIs and 1 independent) and 3 abstentions. The wording of the successful Green Group motion is below.

Clr Jon Barry said after the meeting “Those against our motion wanted to terminate the market traders’ leases, spend a fortune on turning the market into a ‘white box’, and then a further fortune in sweeteners to attract a single trader which has only one other store and the worst possible credit rating. We felt that this option was much worse, both financially and in terms of the Council’s reputation.” (more…)