Stockport Labour Group will oppose changes to Stockport Market proposed by the Lib Dem Executive unless the views of traders and shoppers are listened to and a robust evidence base to show how the changes will revive the fortunes of our historic Market is provided.

Labour Group Leader Councillor Alex Ganotis said ‘These plans need to be about improving the Market and working with traders to help them grow their businesses and bring new traders in, rather than flying in the face of what the wishes of the local community are.

‘The Executive haven’t provided traders, shoppers or Councillors with any concrete evidence that stands up to scrutiny that a specialist food and drink offer for Stockport Market is economically viable or indeed sustainable.

‘If that isn’t forthcoming then their entire plan is totally flawed. I can categorically say that they won’t have the support of the Labour Group when it comes to making a decision on these proposals unless that evidence is made available.’

Stockport Labour Group has requested detailed information from the Lib Dem Leader of the Council on the business case for a food and drink offer, the demand from traders for a 6 day Market, what has been done to examine which types of businesses would attract the most new regular shoppers, and what impact the location of the Market actually has on trade.

Frustrated with the narrow scope of the official Council consultation which closes on 1st April, traders have set-up a competing process inviting residents to contribute their views on the future of the Market. Labour Councillors are pushing for responses to both to be considered equally by the Council when it comes to reviewing the findings.

The Council needs to be accountable for the considerable sums of money that has been invested in the Marketplace and Underbanks over the course of the last 5 years and which could have been targeted much more on helping to support the Market into the future.

Councillor Ganotis added ‘Whilst this shambles plays out I’d also like to send out the message to all residents that Stockport Market is well and truly open for business and just hope that the way it has been handled ultimately isn’t damaging the businesses of those who trade there.

‘Stockport Labour Group is still committed to working constructively with the Executive to ensure what the Council does is in the best interests of Stockport. Our request for more evidence to assist in achieving a positive outcome from the consultation is in this spirit.’

You can read the Labour Group’s full response to the Council consultation on Stockport Market by following the link below.