Tadcaster market on the move

MARKET traders in Tadcaster could soon be on the move to more attractive surroundings in Kirkgate following the success of a pilot scheme.Members of Selby District Council's economic and commercial development sub-committee are expected to support spending up to £8,800 to relocate the Thursday market from the central car park for a 12-month trial period.In a report for Thursday's meeting, economic development officer Eileen Scothern said relocating the market in the two weeks before Christmas was one of the first initiatives identified by the Tadcaster Regeneration Group.The response to that experiment was debated recently by the regeneration group, which includes representatives of the district council, Tadcaster Town Council, the chamber of trade, civic society and other organisations."Members were informed that relocation of the market had received tremendous favourable public reaction and, whilst a few problems had occurred, that these could be resolved if the market was relocated again," she said.Discussions had also taken place on increasing the number of stalls from 33 to 50 when the extended trial got under way, possibly on April 9.Last week, the Evening Press revealed that regeneration group members feared their plans would be jeopardised by a town council decision to halve the sum of money set aside for projects to breathe new life into Tadcaster. Although the town council has pledged to set aside up to £10,000 to underwrite a heritage trail being devised by Tadcaster Historical Society, funding for other schemes will be cut from £10,000 to £5,000 in both the current financial year and in 1998-99.The Mayor of Tadcaster Councillor, Roderic Parker, chamber of trade president Brian Percival and civic society chairman Gordon Spencer all claimed the decision would send the wrong message to potential backers.Commenting on the district council proposal to spend up to £8,800 relocating the market, Mr Spencer said: "I'm very pleased with that. It's just what we have been asking for."District councillor Jack Crawford, who chairs the regeneration group, said: "I was there on the first day of the trial before Christmas and it was absolutely excellent. It really felt like a traditional street market."He said it was hoped that moving the market to Kirkgate would discourage lorry traffic throughout the week, not just on Thursdays.