Market Drayton shoppers have come out strongly against plans for a new Saturday market due to open on the town’s outskirts next month.
The Advertiser asked shoppers in Cheshire Street for their views on the market, set to open on March 13 with up to 250 stalls, a car boot sale and free customer parking.
It will be based at Market Drayton Livestock Market on Adderley Road and will be run by Wellington-based Town and Country Markets Ltd.
Most people welcomed the idea of the market but said it was in the wrong location and would take trade away from the town centre.
Christine Pritchard, 68, of Hampton Drive, said: “It’s an excellent idea if it’s in the town centre but out there it’s a complete waste of time.
“It’s no help to the town at all if it’s at the livestock market even though I feel the market itself is a good thing.
“I use the Wednesday market and buy all my vegetables and things there, so I wouldn’t be tempted to go to the new market at all.”
Tracey Whitehouse, 45, of Rush Lane, said: “I think it’s a great idea but it ought to be in the town because it’ll take trade away from a town centre that’s already struggling.
“People come from all over the place to do their shopping here, so let’s get them into Market Drayton on a Saturday where they can do more shopping.”
But Ann Bullough, 55, of Quarry Bank Road, said: “I’m looking forward to it because I like car boot sales and I’ve been waiting for one to open up again in Market Drayton.
“I know it won’t go down well with everyone but it might go down well with some people who are struggling for money and prefer car boot sales.”
Chamber of trade chairman Councillor Roy Aldcroft said: “There are a lot of people who will be looking for a bargain at the market and car boot sale but the biggest problem they’re going to have is establishing a long-term credible presence on the outskirts of Market Drayton.”
A Town and Country Markets spokesman said: “We believe that this new market will be of benefit to Market Drayton.
“We are advertising extensively throughout Shropshire and the Stoke-on-Trent areas which will draw new visitors to the town who will discover the great things Market Drayton has to offer.”
By Winston Brown
