Skip to main content

bideford logo

Minutes of the Market Advisory Committee Meeting


Minutes of the Market Advisory Committee Meeting held in Council Chamber, Town Hall, Bideford, on Wednesday 6 September 2012 at 6.00 pm

PRESENT:

South Ward:

Councillor B Wootton

North Ward:

Councillor D C Fulford
Councillor Mrs M Fulford

Tenants/Traders    Mrs F Balfour

Mrs J Fisher
Mr M Hudson
Mrs L Middleton
Mrs D Standen
Mrs S Wade (Chairman)

IN ATTENDANCE:

Mr R D G Coombes (Market Administrator)
1 x Tenant/Traders
1 x Public

013

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Councillors D G Brenton (South Ward – Personal).

014

MINUTES

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 25 July 2012 were approved and signed as a correct record.

(Vote: - For: 7, Against: 0, Abstention: 1.)

Mrs Middleton arrived.

015

ITEMS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE CHAIRMAN

a. Advertising/Leaflet Distribution.  The Market Administrator gave detail on the Advertising Budget.  Discussion followed on the Distribution of the
Pannier Market Leaflet - Mr Hudson observed that although there were leaflets for the Barnstaple Pannier Market at the Merry Harriers there were not
any Bideford Pannier Market Leaflets.  Mrs Standen advised on the drop off points available within the Publicity South West contract and the rationale
behind those chosen areas further afield including Bude and Tiverton.  The Chairman further questioned the distribution drawing on her past experiences
and spoke about Marketing Plans.  She asked for feedback from the distributor.

Mrs Middleton believed that local Hotels/B&Bs would provide key locations.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

Proposed by Mrs Wade, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That Standing Orders are suspended in order to allow Mrs Rodgers to address the Meeting.

(Vote – For: 9, Against: 0)

Mrs Rodgers advised that 20,000 leaflets was not sufficient to include a package for cottages etc. with Publicity South West, who would need 40,000 plus. 
Mrs Rodgers advised that she had 6,000 leaflets, exclusive of the 20,000, which were being distributed on a local basis and those locations logged.  The
Chairman confirmed that Mrs Rodgers was content to retain them but she would collect a number and organise further distribution.  (She encouraged members
to engage in their distribution also.)  She felt that 100,000 brochures should be an ideal figure and spoke on how she would have distributed them.

Mrs Middleton believed that the Patrons of the Beaford Arts and (Torrington) Plough Centres would be interested in the Pannier Market.  She spoke further
about the Mailing Lists that the Centres used.  Mrs Standen advised that she would investigate the possibility of the Plough displaying some leaflets.

The Chairman talked about the Banners sited outside the Morrisons Supermarket on the Kingsley Road, impact and cost effectiveness.

Proposed by Mrs Wade, seconded and

RECOMMENDED:  That the Market Management Committee be asked to make funds available for the purchase of a multipurpose banner.

(Vote – For: 9, Against: 0)

RETURN TO STANDING ORDERS

Proposed by Mrs Wade, seconded and

RESOLVED:  That the Meeting return to Standing Orders.

(Vote – For: 9, Against: 0)

b. Market Hall Hire.  The Chairman invited members to discuss encouraging further use of the Hall.  She saw merit in hiring out the Hall rent free where
the Town and traders/tenants would benefit.  Mrs Middleton welcomed the idea and believed that a food event would be useful.  Mr Hudson spoke on the
importance of the Hall to the Community.  Mrs Standen advised members on the criteria that had been used before and reminded them to be mindful of the staff
implications when considering event organising.  The Chairman continued that deposits should be contemplated and only refunded where everything was deemed
satisfactory post event.

The Market Administrator advised the Members that the Management Committee were reviewing the pricing structure and reminded them of examples of hire charges
made in recent years.

The Chairman felt that a discount system should be considered, to encourage more people/trade to be drawn to the Town, when considering the Payment
structure/terms and conditions.  She believed that organising events on a regular basis would benefit and support the Town/Market.

Mrs Standen expressed concern over the impact that regular events held on Market Days would have on the Traders, citing noise and space available to trade. 
Both the Chairman and Mr Hudson gave examples of where traders were ordinarily required to remove their stock at the end of the trading day.  Mrs Fisher spoke
on the Council’s acceptance of traders leaving their goods, at their own risk, stressing how well the understanding worked.  The Market Administrator confirmed
that when required, and with timely notice, traders always cleared their stalls for events such as the Boxing, Bideford and District Pot Plant and Cacti Club and
Light up a Life (which will be held this year on 15 December).  A full and broad discussion followed on the management of the Hall on a day to day basis.

Mr Hudson spoke on the experience of other Markets’ presentation and believed that the displays should be moved around, freshened up because the Market Hall looks
stale.  Further discussion on advertising and trader networking followed with Councillor Fulford speaking on promoting the diversity that makes up the Market Complex
as a whole.

Proposed by Mrs Wade, seconded and

RECOMMENDED:  That the Market Management Committee, where appropriate, consider wavering the hire charge of the Hall in order to promote Bideford and the
Market Hall Complex.

(Vote – For: 7, Against: 2)

016

ISSUES RAISED BY TRADERS

a. Pannier Market/Town Signage.  There was general discussion on the various agencies/authorities responsible for Town Signage and one off banners.  The
Market Administrator advised that the Management Committee had discussed the Item with the result that signage in the Market Complex indicated toilets
including disabled and baby changing facilities.  Mr Hudson advised that the Chamber of Commerce were considering the subject and that he had produced
a study.  The Chairman intimated that she would like the Management Committee to continue exploring the item.

Councillor Wootton left the Meeting.

b. Flowers/Hanging Baskets.

Mr Hudson stated that he believed flowers generally would brighten up Butcher’s Row and the Market.  Mrs Standen confirmed that seasonal flowers were provided
by the Council outside the Market Hall entrance and alluded to a former display basket provision.  Mr Hudson in recognising Mrs Rodgers’ stewardship of a couple
displays in Butcher’s Row advised that he displayed flowers outside his Unit.  Councillor Fulford while referring to Manor Court encouraged the beneficial use of
flowers.

c. Low cost weekly parking permits.  Mr Hudson expressed concern that the practise of tenants/traders parking in the “one hour no return” slots around the Pannier
Market and moving their vehicles around to other positions once the hour was up discouraged potential trade.  He felt that in order to improve upon the three pounds
a day minimum car parking fee, consideration should be given to a weekly permit at £100.00 a year.

Mrs Standen felt that the Town’s traders would not react well to a Market specific leniency believing also that both Great Torrington and Barnstaple Markets experienced
the same issue and did not enjoy any favour.

The Market Administrator believed that “sole traders” should be able to claim legitimate expenses against their tax returns.  He stated that Torridge District Council
did not have room for manoeuvre on car parking pricing but suggested that Mr Hudson contact the Parking Services Manager, Mr Simon Toon.  He also advised that the Town
Council were looking to repeat the December car parking initiative enjoyed last year.

d. Future Events.

i. Winter Fairs.  Mr Hudson believed that this was an excellent idea put forward by Councillor Howell.  The Market Administrator believed that Councillor Howell was    investigating funding support.  The item will be placed on the next agenda.

Mrs Fisher left the Meeting.

ii. 29 September 2012, Festival of Music and Dance.  Mr Hudson described the Event which will include workshops, a violinist, majorettes and yoga.  The Market Administrator spoke on the individual cost for a musician at a “Busker Rate” (less than 100 people in audience) of £9.32 payable to Performing Rights Society (PRS).  He would also
look into the commitment regarding Phonographic Performance Liability (PPL).

Mr Hudson, supported by the Chairman was very keen for the Market Advisory Committee to have a “Social” subcommittee rather than the MORE led events organisation.  The Chairman stated that the subcommittee would be open to all tenants and traders to participate.

Further discussion developed on insurance and the understanding that those tenants/traders under the auspices of MORE cannot afford public liability insurance for one off events.  The Chairman believed that, given the support of the Market Advisory Committee, those locally set up Events should be covered by the Council’s Insurance; the
Market Administrator would seek clarification.


Proposed by Mrs Wade, seconded and

RECOMMENDED:  That subject to the necessary insurance cover being in place the Members agreed to the Event taking place.

(Vote – For: 6, Against: 1)

iii.    27 October 2012, Guy Making/Halloween workshops (Butcher’s Row).

No recommendation was made.

iv.    24 November 2012, Festival of Folk Music.

No recommendation was made.

v.    15 December 2012, Dickensian Christmas Market.

Mr Hudson understood that the Light up a Life Service was being held in the Market on the Evening.  While the Market Administrator explained that the Service would
not impact upon the themed Market he intimated that the Dickensian Christmas Market date might be better set for 8 December 2012 when the Signing of the Lease Ceremony would take place.  It would benefit from the draw of the Ceremony.

The business of the Meeting having been completed, the Chairman thanked the Members for
their attendance and contributions; the Meeting concluded at 8.10 pm.


♦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