Shoppers welcome market expansion plans

Plans to put pitches near the new Tesco on Drummond Street and next to the Imperial Buildings were confirmed at Town Hall last Friday.

Councillors said the proposal to add 33 new stalls to the 62-stall market would increase footfall and support independent shopkeepers  a view shared by people visiting this week.

Friends Margaret Glaves and Edna Baines, who travel regularly from Sheffield to visit Rotherham’s markets, backed the plans.

“I think more stalls would attract a lot more people from Sheffield,” said Margaret (81).

“They keep closing markets up in Sheffield, which is rubbish. There’s no market atmosphere there now that’s why we come here.

“But there’s not much up near the Minster, so that would be nice to see.”

Sue Copeland (50), of Kynance Crescent, Brinsworth, said: “It’s a good idea, getting everyone to come through town.

“There’s not much up near Rotherham Minster at the moment. We could really do with some more stalls.

Of the estimated costs, she added: “That’s what we pay taxes for, isn’t it? Hopefully it will pay off in the long run.”

The approved plans include giving casual traders the chance to become regulars.

Cllr Dominic Beck, Cabinet member for business, gave the go-ahead for the move, including a six-week trial of new pitches for interested traders.

Regular traders will be offered the chance to try one of the new locations  if they decide to stay there, their old pitch will be offered to new stalls.

If business drops off and they want to reclaim their old spot when the trial ends, they will be able to do so.

The expansion will cost £48,000 with £35,000 earmarked for gazebos, £5,000 for tables and £8,000 for a trailer plus £12,000 per year to pay additional staff.

But market bosses hope more income from pitch rentals will put an extra £50,000 per year in the council’s coffers and spark a town renaissance, with quality shops, markets, housing and cultural life for all ages.