Market plans get the nod - at the double! (From Thurrock Gazette)

Market plans get the nod - at the double!

7:30am Thursday 21st March 2013 in News

A MARKET will be set up in Corringham town centre after plans were given the go-ahead by councillors.

Thurrock Council passed the Outdoor Market Group’s plan for a 16-stall market in Grover Walk every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

Previous plans, for 24 stalls, were turned down at the end of last year but the resubmitted plans, which included private parking by the New Pompadour pub for stallholders and 20 spaces for shoppers, were approved for a 12-month trial period.

More than 1,500 people signed a petition against the plan, saying it would harm the area.

The newly-formed Residents and Traders’ Association of Corringham put in its own application, which was also given approval, to hold “specialised” events on the first and third Thursday and Saturday of each month, such as a farmer’s market, and use areas of St Johns Way for table top stalls.

The public gallery was fiercely divided into two sections at the planning meeting with one side holding placards against the market.

Robert Wong, director of the Outdoor Market Group, said he had taken residents’ concerns about parking and the number of stalls on board.

He said: “We have reduced the number of stalls by a third, so it doesn’t dominate the town.

“Our remit has always been not to directly compete with the shops.”

William Tilby, chairman of the Residents and Traders’ Association of Corringham, said: “We don’t feel the reduction in the number of stalls is the right way forward – there are enough general markets around Corringham.

“We feel this revised application should not change the opinion of the committee and we ask you again to reject it.”

However, councillors approved the plans, although permission will expire in a year so the council can judge its effect on the town centre.