Labour Councillors want the Council to genuinely work with traders and shoppers on proposals to change Stockport Market, rather than presenting plans as a fait accompli.

Inaction by Stockport Council over the years has meant continued decline and has led many traders to move to markets like the one in Bury where they can generate higher revenues.

Any solution proposed now must take into account the needs of the individual businesses, including exploring the possibility of trader operation of the market. Stockport must learn lessons from successful markets elsewhere in the North-West, including a review of hours and days of operation and the offer available for consumers.

Discussions need to be a two-way process that reflect the need for change and take into account that parts of the market currently require a level of public subsidy from local taxpayers which cannot be an option in the future.

By 2020 the bleak financial picture forecast for Local Government means that Councils will rely almost exclusively on income from Council Tax and Business Rates. This means Stockport needs thriving businesses in the market place to help in supporting services for vulnerable local people.

In addition to the successful development of specialist markets on Sunday and Friday evenings, there is a need for more change in the market and that needs to be sustainable and right for the people of Stockport in the long-term.

Traders themselves agree that something needs to be done to help revive the market, and the Labour Group feels it should be possible to work in partnership to agree on how this change looks.

The window of opportunity to attract new visitors will soon pass and it is time for workable solutions to safeguard the future of a market which local people rightly hold a great deal of affection for.

Stakeholder objections need to be properly listened to and debated, and Council communications need to be clear, consistent and reflect both the spirit and letter of guarantees that have been made to traders since the original proposals were published in the autumn of 2015.

Contributions should be in the context of a wider regeneration strategy and recognise that Stockport Market must respond to changing retail trends and the impact of technology like other businesses. They should address the future needs of Stockport residents, and any input from the Council or local politicians needs to appreciate the hard work and dedication of market traders.

The Labour Group stands ready to do everything we can to ensure that our historic market has a future, attracting back shoppers with an improved offer whilst supporting traders who are committed to Stockport to grow their quality businesses.

A more vibrant, more attractive market is the goal that we all want to see, and we encourage all Councillors, Council officers and traders to work together to achieve it.