Agenda item

The report of the Director of Commercial and Operational Services, which provided an update on progress with delivering the 3-year West Lindsey Markets Action Plan, was received.

In presenting the report the Lead Officer advised that the report looked at a sustainable future for West Lindsey Market and recognised the importance and opportunity of a vibrant street market offering across the district.

It was advised that Markets were an important cultural, social and economic asset for the district, which required ongoing work and investment. The process for evaluating options, consultation and contributing factors was outlined. The national shift in retail behaviours, the emergence of bargain and discount shops, and the convenience of large supermarkets and online deliveries were emphasised.

The Committee was reminded of previous reports that had been considered, subsequent recommendations and discussions that had been undertaken. The current position regarding markets, as outlined in the report, was clarified.

The report recommendations, included the establishment of a Member Working Group to provide oversight of ongoing delivery and to develop new and further opportunities for growth,

Debate ensued and a Member welcomed the acknowledgement of the importance of markets and the support that had been given. The importance of a co-ordinated approach with partners was emphasised. The wider benefits of a bespoke approach for different areas were highlighted to ensure that it met local need and any plans should be flexible to achieve this. This view was supported by other Members.

The role of external consultants was discussed and the need to understand local need and ambition was considered paramount. The history of the Gainsborough markets and previous failures in this regard were outlined. Concerns around business support and resources for delivering that were discussed. The need for accurate data to inform future decisions was raised with data cast on the average stall data included.

In respect of a Working Group and its draft terms of reference it was suggested that the membership be five, that the Group should met on a monthly basis and that it should report back to the Committee on a quarterly basis.

A Member suggested this was the first stage in a wide ranging piece of work on town centres across the district, including work to improve the public realm. It was indicated that initiatives were needed to encourage more traders to the markets, provide a variety of stalls and events and be sustainable. The diversification of retail and changes to the high street offer were emphasised.

Discussion ensued regarding the establishment of a working group, membership, terms of reference and frequency of meetings.

It was proposed and seconded that 3.3 of the Terms of Reference be amended to reflect five members (so as to read 3 other members) that 4.2 be amended changing the frequency of meetings from 6 weekly to monthly; the added requirement for a quarterly report to the Prosperous Communities Committee be added to 5.1 and given the increased frequency of meetings 4.3 be reduced to 7 days notice to aide administration.

On being put to the vote the amendments to the terms of reference were accepted.

Noting the report sought to also appoint Members it was suggested it would be most appropriate to make those appointments now, or grant delegated authority to an Officer, to make those appointments in consultation with the Chairman of the Committee to avoid any further delays and allow the Group to commence meeting.

The following nominations were proposed and seconded and were in accordance with the Terms of Reference: -

Councillor Lesley Rollings

Councillor Trevor Young

Councillor Stephen Bunney

Councillor Angela Lawrence

Councillor Jacob Flear.

RESOLVED that: -

a)         the progress to date in delivering the vision for thriving markets across West Lindsey be welcomed;

b)         a ‘West Lindsey Markets’ Members Working Group be established in line with the draft terms of reference, at appendix 1 to the report, and as amended throughout the debate detailed above, with the following Members appointed to serve thereon: -

Councillor Lesley Rollings

Councillor Trevor Young

Councillor Stephen Bunney

Councillor Angela Lawrence

Councillor Jacob Flear.