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Traders disagree over new look market
WYCOMBE'S new look market has received mixed reviews after its first day.
The traditional stalls have been replaced by quick and easy pop-up stands which come in a variety of different colours.
Hughmark International has being running the market since December, after winning the rights to do so last year.
Wycombe District Council decided to change the look of the market as of today.
And the decision has led to a difference of opinion between traders.
Jonathan Hill, who has been a market trader in the town for three years, believes the change is a positive step.
But today was the first time he used the new stalls and he said he would have preferred to have had the chance to try it out first.
Mr Hill said: "There is an art to making it look good. Whereas the old stalls had plenty of facilities to hang things, these ones are just roofs so we have had to build our own ones inside them.
"I think the customers like them. If they prefer the presentation then it has to be a good thing.
"I think if they bring more people in, then it has to be good for everyone, but there is a few teething problems."
He also added that a few of the traders had concerns over health and safety aspects of the new stalls.
This view was echoed by one trader, who has been working on the market for 35 years.
He said: "They do not seem as sturdy or as practical as before. I cannot see them lasting.
"The old stalls were a lot more rigid, adaptable, easier to work with and gave you more shelter.
"Nothing against Hughmark, it is what the council have asked for."
He said High Wycombe will end up looking like dozens of other towns because of the changes.
But Jed Hoile, who was out shopping, said he was impressed by the new stalls.
Mr Hoile, who is a company director and lives in Downley, said: "I like the look of it. It is a good idea to co-ordinate it all.
"The independent traders give the town a bit of flavour, the same as in places like Brighton, that is what makes them special."
What do you think of the new market? Do you think it will attract more people to the town? Leave a comment below.
8:10pm Friday 21st March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Pierre, HW on 9:05pm Fri 21 Mar 08
It is about time that the new stalls were introduced because I thought they should have been there in December 2007 when Hughmark took over.
I have been so concerned about their lack of performance that I obtained a copy of the contract between Hughmark and WDC under the FOI Act.
I was disappointed to see that mot only was there no penalty provision for lack of performance by Hughmark, the date of the contract was a clear one year prior to 2007, in fact the contract is dated 2006!!
It just shows you how poor the solicitors who work for WDC are in being able to properly scrutinise a contract.
It is about time that the new stalls were introduced because I thought they should have been there in December 2007 when Hughmark took over.
I have been so concerned about their lack of performance that I obtained a copy of the contract between Hughmark and WDC under the FOI Act.
I was disappointed to see that mot only was there no penalty provision for lack of performance by Hughmark, the date of the contract was a clear one year prior to 2007, in fact the contract is dated 2006!!
It just shows you how poor the solicitors who work for WDC are in being able to properly scrutinise a contract.
Posted by: Ivor on 9:14pm Fri 21 Mar 08
I saw some of these stalls a few weeks back. They look flimsy and fragile as if the slightest wind will blow them away. The weights holding them down look a somewhat un-reassuring afterthought on the part of the designer.
The old stalls looked good and served their purpose. Another un-necessary "change for the better”.
[bold]Have you read Ivor’s blog today?[/bold] Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
I saw some of these stalls a few weeks back. They look flimsy and fragile as if the slightest wind will blow them away. The weights holding them down look a somewhat un-reassuring afterthought on the part of the designer.
The old stalls looked good and served their purpose. Another un-necessary "change for the better”.
Have you read Ivor’s blog today? Click on the “Opinion” link on the menu on the left then click on “Readers Bucks Blog”.
Posted by: yabbadabbadoo, wooburn green on 6:53am Sat 22 Mar 08
well i thought the new market looked colourful and it definately tarted the high street up.
ivor,it was blowy and rainy in town yesterday and they held out fine. none blew away and the wind gave them a good tester of how strong they are.
i and the people i was with in town liked it.
well i thought the new market looked colourful and it definately tarted the high street up.
ivor,it was blowy and rainy in town yesterday and they held out fine. none blew away and the wind gave them a good tester of how strong they are.
i and the people i was with in town liked it.
Posted by: TQWood, Hazlemere on 7:10am Sat 22 Mar 08
i will be going to Wycombe today so i will see for myself,it does concern me that the wind is strong and those stalls do look very weak
i will be going to Wycombe today so i will see for myself,it does concern me that the wind is strong and those stalls do look very weak
Posted by: HWMAN, High Wycombe on 12:20pm Sat 22 Mar 08
The market looked good this moring. inspite if the wind and rain. I liked the French Cheese Stall, hope that is there along with new stall in the coming weeks.
The market looked good this moring. inspite if the wind and rain. I liked the French Cheese Stall, hope that is there along with new stall in the coming weeks.
Posted by: Plus ça change..., Eurocombe on 3:49pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Yum. Quel fromage...
A few more French, Italian, German etc stalls would be nice from time to time but at competitive prices.
Looked smart.
With even more Eden banners, just right for a medieval joust in the High Street.
Yum. Quel fromage...
A few more French, Italian, German etc stalls would be nice from time to time but at competitive prices.
Looked smart.
With even more Eden banners, just right for a medieval joust in the High Street.
Posted by: Ivor, Glorious High Wycombe, England on 4:52pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Re the comments of Plus ça change... at 3:49pm
In reality we need more local English produce. Think of all the air miles and environmental damage caused by shipping goods from the continent to Wycombe.
I can see the association between the market and the complex after all they are effectively both shopping areas open to the elements although the complex does have a roof partially covering it. However the High Street is by far the most architecturally beautiful area of town with history literally oozing from the surrounding buildings.
Re the comments of Plus ça change... at 3:49pm
In reality we need more local English produce. Think of all the air miles and environmental damage caused by shipping goods from the continent to Wycombe.
I can see the association between the market and the complex after all they are effectively both shopping areas open to the elements although the complex does have a roof partially covering it. However the High Street is by far the most architecturally beautiful area of town with history literally oozing from the surrounding buildings.
Posted by: here-we-go-again, wycombe on 6:38pm Sat 22 Mar 08
I went through town today in the hail / snow storm and the market looked colourful and refreshing. As for ivors comments, why dont you put your money where your mouth is. If you hate change so much why not get elected onto the council and see what you can do, or why dont you start a tradtion british food stall and see what the punters really want. But what ever...please stop moaning. Ta!
I went through town today in the hail / snow storm and the market looked colourful and refreshing. As for ivors comments, why dont you put your money where your mouth is. If you hate change so much why not get elected onto the council and see what you can do, or why dont you start a tradtion british food stall and see what the punters really want. But what ever...please stop moaning. Ta!
Posted by: Plus ça change..., Wycumbrella on 6:52pm Sat 22 Mar 08
History oozing out?
Trickling maybe.
Are you proposing roofing over the High Street?
Maybe not a bad idea as it would avoid Ivanhoe's weekly camp in the street.
History oozing out?
Trickling maybe.
Are you proposing roofing over the High Street?
Maybe not a bad idea as it would avoid Ivanhoe's weekly camp in the street.
Posted by: Ivor on 7:06pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Re the comments of Plus ça change..., Wycumbrella on 6:52pm
So you describe our market as “Ivanhoe's weekly camp”.
At least we now know what you think of Wycombe and its traditions!
I thought you were supportive of the complex because you think it is good for Wycombe but perhaps you are supportive of the complex because you think it will be bad for Wycombe hence your enthusiasm of it.
At least you have revealed your true colours. If only those businesses in the complex knew of the reasons why perhaps you are supporting them.....
Re the comments of Plus ça change..., Wycumbrella on 6:52pm
So you describe our market as “Ivanhoe's weekly camp”.
At least we now know what you think of Wycombe and its traditions!
I thought you were supportive of the complex because you think it is good for Wycombe but perhaps you are supportive of the complex because you think it will be bad for Wycombe hence your enthusiasm of it.
At least you have revealed your true colours. If only those businesses in the complex knew of the reasons why perhaps you are supporting them.....
Posted by: OneArmJack on 8:21pm Sat 22 Mar 08
With the High Street pedestrianised, why are the market stalls still right at the edge, where they were when traffic was still allowed? It just creates a big squeeze on the 'pavement' with acres of empyty space in the middle.
With the High Street pedestrianised, why are the market stalls still right at the edge, where they were when traffic was still allowed? It just creates a big squeeze on the 'pavement' with acres of empyty space in the middle.
Posted by: Pennboy, Hazlemere on 8:27pm Sat 22 Mar 08
More importantly Jed Hoile-Howard Jones right hand man in the 80's. What a legend!
More importantly Jed Hoile-Howard Jones right hand man in the 80's. What a legend!
Posted by: Town Cryer, Wycombe on 12:54pm Sun 23 Mar 08
went into town last night
Appears its taking a lot longer to take stalls down--
so much for quicker !!!
went into town last night
Appears its taking a lot longer to take stalls down--
so much for quicker !!!
Posted by: Tharus Bond, Wycombe on 8:24am Tue 25 Mar 08
i hadn't noticed on saturday
i hadn't noticed on saturday
Posted by: TQWood, Hazlemere on 1:25pm Tue 25 Mar 08
its not pedestrianised, the market traders need to get their vans down the road and other shops such as the flower shop etc and plenty of other people still drive on the road.
its not pedestrianised, the market traders need to get their vans down the road and other shops such as the flower shop etc and plenty of other people still drive on the road.
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