Page 15 - Market Times April 2024

MARKET TIMES • APRIL 2024 15
successful campaign by local people.
Lynden Maddison, a market assistant, said the market was popular with local people and most Fridays and Saturdays were full, with a monthly farmers’ market and a craft market adding to the
action.
He said some people had expressed concerns
that the condensed market in the original plan would have blocked the war memorial, and locals had said they hoped a different layout would ensure it was prominent and not hidden away.
Dean Smith, who has been selling fruit and veg on the market for 18 years, said: “We do want the investment. The stalls are getting a bit tired, but a simple upgrade would be the best way to improve the market. New sheets would be good and simple changes, like the council preventing cars parking on the edges of the square. I used to have a great display on the spot where the odd car parks, and that helps attract people into the market,” he added.
Mark Ram, who sells ladies fashion on the market, has seen much busier market days. His father started the business in 1968 when markets were so busy his father couldn’t get on his local market in Doncaster, so had to catch the bus to Retford.
“When I saw the original plans for stalls they were suggesting there would be seating at the base of the stalls. That wouldn’t have worked at all for my stall where people come in to look at the clothes,” he said.
Traders are looking forward to seeing the new plans — and no doubt local people will want to be sure they will enhance the market they supported so vigorously.
Dean Smith
Mark Ram