Ambitious market plan for town (From Thurrock Gazette)
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Ambitious market plan for town
3:30pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News
A ROW has erupted over plans for a new outdoor market in Corringham town centre.
Stanford-le-Hope based company Outdoor Market Group has lodged an application with Thurrock Council to operate an outdoor market on Grover Walk.
It hopes to have the 30-stall market in business by the end of November, with a view to selling goods not currently available in the town, bringing 50 local jobs and chances for families to set-up their own market stall businesses.
Residents have taken to Facebook to voice their support for the idea and several local businesses are optimistic the market will attract more people to the town.
Stanford East and Corringham Town councillor Phil Smith has also registered his support fo the plans.
But others are unhappy at the proposals, with some Corringham shop-owners claiming they haven’t been properly informed.
Sheelesh Patel, who owns Eagle News, a newsagent just off Grover Walk, said: “Look at Pitsea Market and what’s happened there. A market here could downgrade Corringham, like it has in Pitsea.
“Parking is another issue. This is a small town, people who come here come anyway.
“I’m worried about the effect it will have on my business. Some people don’t like markets and it will turn them away.”
With shoe shop Stead and Simpson set to close, there are plans for stalls selling shoes, clothing, lingerie and underwear, kitchen utensils and toys.
The market will be open on Fridays and Saturdays, with the hope it will also run on Mondays and Tuesdays. The market will share its opening hours with local businesses so there is no additional disruption in the town.
An office has also been acquired in the town, from which it can be administered.
Andy Williams, spokesman for Outdoor Market Group, said: “It’s something we’ve been planning for a few years.
“There’s been a lot of decline in business in Corringham and an increase in anti-social behaviour, but there’s a large open space there.
“If the market’s successful we should be able to support the community and reinvest in the area.”
