TRADERS in Market Drayton have hit out at plans to privatise the town’s weekly street market after nearly 800 years.
They claim to have been left in the dark about proposals and fear an increase in rents could hit the market hard.
Shropshire Council is inviting private operators to apply for a tender to run the market, which has been in public hands since the 13th century.
Arthur Bloor, chairman of the Market Drayton market traders committee, said 98 per cent of 43 traders surveyed yesterday would like the unitary authority to retain the market.
Claire Bislimi, who runs a fruit and vegetables stall, said: “There were a lot of discussions about this last year but we have heard nothing since.”
Roy Poole, who sells scarves and bags on the market, said: “Increased rents will hit traders hard. We need help with advertising and buses running later.”
Az Hakeem, of the general hardware and jewellery repair stall, said: “It will just make things even harder than they are now.”
Mr Bloor said the traders’ long-held ambition of running the market as a co-operative now appeared to have been dashed.
Documents seen by the Advertiser say the council is looking to outsource the running of not only the Wednesday street market, but also the indoor market.
The tender documents say: “The contractor should support the growth of the markets and improve the shopping experience and reflect the shopping needs within the town.”
Shropshire Council was unavailable for comment.