Committee launches market traders web forum
17 March 2009 (updated on 22 April 2010)
The Communities and Local Government Committee today launches a web forum to obtain the views of market traders on whether their markets are thriving or in decline, what makes a successful market and what more could be done - and by whom - to support their markets better.
The Committee is running an inquiry into Traditional Retail Markets and the views of market traders are an important component of this inquiry. The web forum will run until Tuesday 28 April.
Committee Chair Dr Phyllis Starkey said:
"We want to hear from market traders because they are at the heart of our inquiry. If you feel strongly about the future of market trading, please participate in our web forum."
The Committee launched its Traditional Retail Market inquiry in November to examine issues affecting covered and uncovered markets, including specialist markets (e.g. farmers markets) serving local people in English cities and in rural towns. The Committee will consider traditional retail markets today, their social and economic effects, how best to realize their potential and related planning or licensing issues. At the end of the inquiry the Committee will produce a report with recommendations to Government.
The Committee has already visited two London markets as part of the inquiry, and will be visiting Leicester market on Tuesday 24 March.