3:23pm Thursday 18th March 2010
By Simon Farr
MARKET traders have cautiously welcomed a new private contractor brought in to run High Wycombe market by Wycombe District Council.
The council announced today it has appointed Saunders Management Services to run the market on a four year deal – more than a year after former contractor Hughmark International slipped in to administration.
The contractors will bring in new look stalls and covers for tomorrow's market. While an events program and special farmers market will be integrated into the current set up.
A market management committee will also be set up and traders will be invited to put forward their own representatives to have their say on how the market is run.
Lawrence Harris, who runs the bag stall in the High Street, is relived the protracted operating saga has been concluded and welcomed the new market bosses.
But he warned the council that market traders “won't bail them out” if the new deal fails, after the council knocked back an offer from traders to take on the full time running of the historic market.
He said: “It has gone on for such a long time and it is good to finally know what is going on but the council have gone about this about face by going back to a private operator.
“The council has been bitten once before by a private trader and we gave them the opportunity to allow us take it on but they said our presentation wasn't very good and turned us down, even though we offered a very attractive business plan.
“I wish the new guys the very best of luck but we won't bail the council out if they get bitten again.”
WDC and the High Wycombe Town Centre Partnership have vowed to work closely with Saunders during the deal to “uphold the strong and historic market tradition of the town”.
Cllr Roger Colomb, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Property and Procurement, said: "Wycombe has a strong market tradition, and working together with a new operator, we want to make sure that tradition not just survives, but thrives, here in High Wycombe.
“Markets can help to bring a town centre to life and can give local traders and farmers a valuable local outlet for their produce.”
Melanie Williams, town centre manager for the High Wycombe Town Centre Partnership, also welcomed the appointment.
She said: “There is no underestimating the important role that the market plays in maintaining vibrancy and bustle in the High Street.
“The town partnership is keen to support the new operator through joint events and marketing initiatives and to ensure that the new steering group can offer a platform to local traders in the future”.
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