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.”
Market stallholders will now be given new leases fo another four years in which time efforts will be made to support and promte the market and reduce the council’s deficit.
Green Group motion for Council : Lancaster Market
Council notes that the Council has been unable to secure a single tenant to
its satisfaction since January 2008 and also that the option of a market on
one floor is expensive in terms of capital costs and has many legal
difficulties. Council also notes the desirability of a thriving indoor
market in terms of employment and service to the district. Council therefore
resolves that:
1. The City Council renews all existing tenancy agreements in accordance
with the landlord and tenant act.
2. That the City Council endeavours to negotiate by agreement an amendment
to the terms and conditions which would permit the City Council to consider
any plans to refurbish the market hall.
3. That a sum of £150,000 is set aside that can be used for professional
advice on running a successful market and on potential costs of
refurbishment. However, money spent on consultants should be kept to the
minimium possible.
4. That the option to tax the market should be re-affirmed, should this be
necessary, to protect the Council from any VAT liability on any of the
proposed capital works.
5. That a working group of councillors from all groups be set up to oversee
plans for refurbishment and revitalisation of the market. That this working
group gets expert advice and considers visiting other successful indoor
markets.
6. That this working group to report back to cabinet at key points.
7. That the Council looks at all options in terms of reducing the overheads
of the market and on the staff needed to make Lancaster market more
successful.
8. That the working group considers the advantages of licenses/tenancies for
new businesses in the market.
9. That the working group considers options such as making the market more
food-based (particularly local food), attracting key businesses, such as a
bakery, and marketing the market as a visitor attraction for the city
centre.
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Tags: Gina Dowding, green party, lancaster and fleetwood, Lancaster indoor market
