Skip to main content

bideford logo

Minutes of the Market Management Committee Meeting held in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall, Bideford, on Thursday 24 October 2019 at 6.32 pm

PRESENT:

East Ward

Councillor J Craigie
Councillor Mrs L Hellyer
Councillor J McKenzie (Chairman)

South Ward

Councillor B Wootton

West Ward

Councillor Mrs K Corfe
Councillor C J Hawkins

Market Hall Mrs G Morgan, Mr B Sidwell

Butchers Row Ms M Hurford (substitute for Miss K la Fontaine)

IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr R Coombes (Deputy Town Clerk)
Mrs H Persson (Development Officer)

68.      APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Miss K la Fontaine (Butcher’s Row).

69.      DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA

There were no declarations of interest.

70.      PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PERIOD

There were no members of the public.

71.      MINUTES

a.        The Minutes of the Meeting held on 12 September 2019 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

b.         The Minutes of the Meeting held on 8 October 2019 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0, Abstention: 1)

72.       CHAIRMAN’S / MARKET ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a.         The Chairman invited Councillor Craigie to give detail on pursuing Heritage Lottery Funding.

Councillor Craigie spoke of the improvements and repairs that had been made to the Tavistock Market with the support of a successful Heritage Funding bid.

Councillor Craigie had through discussion established ideas that would be a suitable basis to bid for funding to improve the Market in various ways.

The criteria include:
• Increase visitors / interaction with a Heritage Site.
• Engaging the Heritage of the Building.
• Signage explaining the history of the Building.
• Improvement:
o Environment Performance.
o Economic Activity.
o Space – community wellbeing / activities.

He advocated the forming of a Working Group in pursuance of a bid: to lead further research, declare an expression of interest and open discussion with the Heritage Body.

The Chairman invited Members to volunteer (to form a Working Group). Councillor Mrs Hellyer believed it to be a really good idea; discussion followed on work/tasks identified by Councillor Craigie. An 800-word description of the overall project would have to be submitted by 2 Mar 2020 to realise funding success in June 2020.

The Chairman led Members in full support of the initiative.

Councillors Craigie and Hawkins agreed to form a Working Group with Mr Sidwell, Mrs Morgan and Ms Hurford / Miss La Fontaine.

b.       The Clerk advised that in order for the Nation to celebrate 75 years since VE Day the Early May Bank Holiday would be enjoyed on Friday 8 May 2020 instead of the usual Monday.

The Council had agreed to join the National Celebration on the day with an itinerary that would find the Pannier Market hosting an Event in the afternoon:

15.00 Chudleigh Fort Mayoral Party / Lone Piper

(Bideford Pipes and Drums to lead the Mayoral Party from Chudleigh Fort across the Long Bridge and up to the Pannier Market for a Street Party style afternoon with music, food, dancing etc. The Pannier Market Development Officer had been asked to attend the next Tourism Meeting, 17 December 2019, with ideas for the afternoon Event.)

18.55 National Cry for Peace with the Town Crier.

19.00 National Peal of Bells from all Churches.

The Clerk noted that the set up of the Hall would have to be returned for trading on the Saturday.

73.      ACCOUNTS

It was proposed by Councillor McKenzie, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the list of payments be approved.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

74.      DEVELOPMENT OFFICER REPORT

a.        The Development Officer had previously circulated a report on her visit to the Nabma Conference. She highlighted various pointes that included:

• Social Space / Events / Experience. The Market needs to become a destination. The Hall can be enhanced with seating areas / picnic benches for customers to sit. Events (Cultural) are important – a calendar will be produced; a beer festival is earmarked for August 2020.
• Food Markets are imperative. A farmer’s market could be introduced once a month. Half the Hall could be set aside, every Saturday for themed events that would be fresh and exciting. She indicated that Twilight / after work markets are popular; a gin concern is interested in staging an evening event.
• Graphics & Signage. A recent visit to a popular establishment in South Molton had impressed with ideas that should not be too expensive to replicate. A glass cabinet has been obtained to showcase the Market Place Shops products / offers.
• Young Trader Campaign. The Younger Generation are the future and many markets are running campaigns to encourage the youth to join the Market Scene. She will liaise with Petroc (and will investigate the possibility of running our very own scheme (Dragons Den concept)).
• Opening Hours. Many markets have reduced their opening times but stressed the importance of a full market at the times advertised. A lot of markets only open from two to four days. The Development Officer believes that the Market is unique and should be regarded as a Visitor / Destination / Shopping Experience.
• Shop Local Initiative. Shopappy is a support local scheme, a website for local businesses to subscribe operating in a similar fashion to Amazon. There is a need to work with the small businesses in the Town for a collective benefit.
• Environment / Technology. There is a focus on the Environment and a drive to improve. Society is becoming more and more cashless. It is vital for the Visitor to be able to pay by card.
• Evidence. Evaluation of the Market “experience” based on footfall, surveys and work on areas that can be improved upon; the Development Officer highlighted atmosphere.
• Community Hub. She spoke about a dual focus, clear opportunities for the Market Trader but widening the scope for the community: dedicated area for internet users, possible “community” fridge. Also, opportunity to engage local schools in a flag making competition (aping South Molton).
• Advertising. Social Media is a huge job, vital to keep fresh and exciting – has worked with the White Room Practice, Market Place Tenant.
Mr Sidwell suggested that a reusable bag with the Market Logo could be purchased in bulk by the Council and sold to traders as a means of promotion / practicality.

The Development Officer agreed but felt it could be opened wider to include the Town, for all to use.

She reiterated her desire to develop the Market as a destination, setting up a calendar schedule to maximise the potential of the Hall; possibly every Sunday. She noted that Barnstaple was holding an Artisan Market on 3 November and a Connect and Create Event on 1 December 2019. Revisiting the South Molton flags initiative she envisaged partnerships with the local schools to design flags that would draw the eye to the Market Place and Butcher’s Row Shops.

Councillor Mrs Hellyer felt that it was an excellent presentation with many ideas. She agreed that food is a draw. Discussion supported the importance of involving the young; Ms Hurford confirmed that the Wikked Week Event had seen a lot of young children engaging with the facility.

The Development Officer requested that it was documented that the Committee approved her Presentation and plans for the future of the Market. She conceded that she had been in receipt of a lot of negativity; she needed the support.

The Development Officer advised that she had invited the whole Site to attend a Meeting in the Market at 9.30 am on Tuesday 29 October 2019. She will give detail on 1 and 3 December openings and the future; she will explain the importance of working together. She believed that some traders / tenants did not feel included within the Market community as a whole; she hoped also that it would help improve the atmosphere.

Councillor Hawkins expressed his concern and asked how the Committee could provide her with support; Mrs Persson stated that she would appreciate Committee Members attending the Tuesday Meeting.

Discussion followed that included tenant / trader conduct, their terms and conditions, respect for officers of the Council (and fellow traders / tenants), the set up of the Market, lack of professionalism / cohesion but recognising those that are doing the best they can.

Whilst the Development Officer felt that there was the potential to fill the Market Hall (with traders) she did not feel that the present position could continue where traders / tenants were not open for business.

There was further discussion on commitment to the Market and the means by which concerns can be raised through the Clerk / Chairman and where necessary to the Committee. Further points raised about the merit of stall holders covering those absentee traders’ stalls against the effect poor engagement / interaction between visitors, potential purchasers and sellers.

Councillor Craigie concluded that there needs to be a commitment from all those who want to continue trading at the Market.

b.      Members followed up their support of the Development Officer’s Presentation given at the Meeting of 12 September 2019.

It was proposed by Councillor Mrs Hellyer, seconded and

RESOLVED: That Committee gave full backing to the Development Officer and her Presentation given at the Meeting of 12 September 2019.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

In committing to a positive and all-encompassing drive for the future the Chairman indicated that the Market will look to adopt and introduce the Nabma Lease / Licence / Tenancy tailored for the Bideford Pannier Market Complex with a view to everyone being committed at the same time to the same ethos. The Clerk will work with the Chairman to provide an example for the next meeting.

75.      CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

Members reconsidered that the weekend trading be extended to include Sunday 1 December 2019, 12 noon to 5.00 pm, to coincide with the Christmas Lights Switch On Event in the Town.

Proposed by Councillor Craigie, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the Market Hall would be open for trading on Sunday, 1 December 2019 from 12.00 noon to 5.00 pm.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

76.      JANUARY RENT WAIVER

Ms Hurford, while noting the practice of waiving the Market Hall Traders’ January rent had been enjoyed for a long time, did not believe that it was fair, it was not consistent. It was speculated that if the Hall was closed in the January it could be freshened up with painting and repairs.

Mr Sidwell spoke about the quiet period and intimated that without the waiver traders would not commit to the Market in January.

Mr Sidwell indicated that this could prove to be the case; traders would close down after the final day’s trading of the year. It would, he conceded, provide an excellent opportunity for the Hall floor to be thoroughly cleaned.

Proposed by Councillor Craigie, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the practice of gratis trading in the Market Hall during the month January is discontinued.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 0)

Mr Sidwell will establish if anyone wishes to trade during the month of January 2020 before a decision is made, at the next Meeting, to close it fully for cleaning and minor maintenance.

77.      TRADERS / TENANTS

a.         Mr Sidwell asked if the No Smoking signs throughout the facility could include No Vaping. Members agreed that the Signs should be updated.

b.         Mr Sidwell asked if a date had been established to install the Electric doors. The Clerk confirmed 25 November 2019 – it should take a week.

c.         Ms Hurford asked that a comprehensive dog cleaning kit is available, for use in the absence of the Market Officer; she did not feel the area behind Unit 5 in Butcher’s Row was suitable for access / storage.

(Councillor Mrs Corfe left the Meeting.)

78.      TRADING HOURS

Mr Sidwell advised that the last change to the Opening Hours did not take into consideration that December was the busiest month for the Market.

The Development Officer spoke on the need for consistency, not simply in opening times but the importance of a full market at the times advertised.

Proposed by Councillor McKenzie, seconded and

RESOLVED: That the Market Hall will be open for trading 9.00 am – 4.00 pm throughout the year. The Committee will review the decision in three months’ time.

(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0)

79.      COMMUNITY FRIDGE

Councillor Hawkins had liaised with One Ilfracombe and One Northern Devon noting that grants are available for such an initiative.

The Chairman invited him to liaise with the Project initiator who had approached both Councillors Christie and Bushby for help with finding a suitable site for the Community Fridge; they had recommended the Market having been turned down by the Library and the Youth Centre. He was open to the idea believing that it would stimulate footfall and suit a broader community reach.

Councillor Mrs Hellyer wondered about a more Town Central location and safeguards from poisoning.

The Clerk indicated that the Market Insurer had advised that the Community Fridge would need to be insured by the group responsible for it. Details such as estimates around quantity of food they hope to shift, anticipated footfall, how often it will be run would be needed. It would also be very important that the fridge is always staffed as cover would not be offered for Community Fridges unless they are permanently supervised or have key code access where only registered members get the code.

Other considerations for the Market:

• Who effectively runs it?
• Who will monitor?
o Wastage?
o Who will remove?
• Review of initiative – perhaps within six months?
• Has anyone contacted the Foodbank regarding pitfalls / recommendations?
• Have TDC been contacted viz a viz hygiene regulations – again who will be responsible?
• Defer decision until after having seen the Constitution first
• What is the cost to the Market?

Mr Sidwell wondered if the Storehouse would not be a better location. He noted, though that Allotment overspill could adversely impact upon the trader who was selling fruit and vegetables.

Councillor Craigie was not minded to resolve upon accommodating the Project until there was further information.

The Chairman deferred any decision upon the item until the next Meeting.

80.      WI-FI UPDATE

Councillor Hawkins had written to BT, noting their free to the public Wi-Fi in Community Halls offer.

Councillor Craigie hoped to provide detailed quotations for the next Meeting.

81.      CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS TO BE TAKEN IN PART II

Proposed by Councillor Craigie, seconded and

RESOLVED: That in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be discussed, it is advisable, in the public interest, that the public be excluded for the remainder of the meeting; the tenants / traders were instructed to withdraw.

(Vote – For: 5, Against: 0)

82.       PART II (CLOSED SESSION)

THERE IS A SEPARATE CONFIDENTIAL SET OF MINUTES (83 – 85) FOR THE CLOSED SESSION.

 

The Chairman, having established that there was no further business to discuss, thanked the Members for their attendance and concluded the Meeting at 8.38 pm.

 

Market Management 24 Oct19

 


♦Delivering the information you need about our decision making processes and supporting community participation in local democracy♦

♦ Helping to make the beautiful Town of Bideford a better place to live and work in! ♦


Bideford - A Fairtrade Town


fairtrade & Living Wage employers

Fairtrade is about equitable pricing, good work conditions, sustainability and fair trading for farmers and workers in the developing world. Bideford is a registered Fairtrade Town - Support local and world farmers - look for the fairtrade logo on your shopping items.

Visit the site...

facebook twitter instagram

Coach friendly

 

© Bideford Town Council 2015 Gingerweb Ltd site design and SEO In North Devon