Now traders bid to put on town centre events (From Thurrock Gazette)
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Now traders bid to put on town centre events
7:20am Friday 8th February 2013 in News
A TRADERS’ association has applied to hold events in Corringham – just months after opposing plans for a market.
The Outdoor Market Group applied to host a market in the town at the end of last year.
Robert Wong, a director of the company, was turned down by Thurrock Council for a three-day, 24-stall market after protest from residents and has now resubmitted amended plans for 16 stalls and private parking for a 12-month trial period.
More than 1,500 people signed a petition against the plans and convinced councillors it would damage the town centre.
However, the newly-formed Residents and Traders’ Association of Corringham has put in its own application which the group says will protect the area from a large-scale commercial market.
Mr Wong said: “I was surprised to hear there appears to be a group of people who have formed an association purporting to represent the local residents and traders that seem to be made up of those people who are most vociferous in their total and complete opposition to Corringham holding any outdoor market at all.
“However, I will look to those democratically elected to look at the merits of both cases and make an informed decision.”
The traders, shoppers and residents’ plans are for a change of use to allow events on four days each month. The group said it would probably only hold an event once a month in Grover Walk for events such as craft fairs, Easter egg hunts and specialist farmer’s markets.
William Tilby, chairman of the group, said the non-profit organisation was not trying to set up a rival market.
He said: “We realised we all had a common goal which is to care for our town centre, protect its economic viability and ensure it remains here to not only support us, but for future generations that will live here too.
“We want to provide fun and innovative specialised events for the community to promote our town centre, improve its vitality, maintain its economic viability and keep it safe to shop here.
“We are non-profit making, therefore any excess funds raised will be used on projects that improve or support our town centre.”
Comments(3)
DannyButcher
says...
10:45am Fri 8 Feb 13
'William Tilby, chairman of the group, said the non-profit organisation was not trying to set up a rival market. '
Whatever they are trying to do, they are doing exactly that! I hope that these people realize that they look like complete and total, self serving idiots. Someone had the idea first, they stand against it to stop it happening, then try to do the same thing a few months later, but say it is different? Pathetic.
If any market is allowed, it should be the original plans. Otherwise, it teaches a bad lesson that all you need to do is oppose an idea vociferously, then jump in a few months later and take over.
Dave_
says...
5:08pm Fri 8 Feb 13
This is on the face of the associations ideas are good, as the content of any markets can be controlled to bring a bit of diversity, rather than the average run of the mill market stalls of the OMG.
Also doing something different in terms of community events has the potential to bring more people in at different times. I think one of their aims should be to stop Corringham town centre "closing" at about 1.30pm on a Saturday.
loulouw29 says...
9:54am Fri 8 Feb 13