Issue - meetings

The Chair invited David Fordham, Service Manager, Service Trading Standards, Jan Tucker, Chair of Archway Traders Association and Christine Lovett, CEO of Angel’s  Business Improvement Bid (BID) to address the Committee on their experiences, challenges and future prospects within the retail areas in Islington.

During consideration of this item the following points were raised -

·         Members were informed about the draft street trading strategy which lists  key things the Council aims to achieve in the next 5 years

·         Members were advised that the value of revitalising and keeping the markets alive, providing local jobs for local people and meeting environmental sustainable objectives was the stimulus for action
 

·         That the strategy aims to create a dynamic street trading and market experience suitable for residents and businesses

·         Members agreed that as shopping habits of members of the public had changed over the years, street markets would have to adapt to this new trend.

·         There are a number of challenges facing Street Trading and include lack of infrastructure regarding the removal of waste, parking issues on market site attracting new traders and retaining the existing traders.

·         Members were advised that the Council aims to raise the profile of  street markets and would promoting street markets in the Time Out Magazine in May 2017 called ‘ love your market’ 

·         A recognition that street markets still had a vital place within the community not only with the residents but businesses in its vicinity so the regeneration of the market was essential to provide future opportunities.

·          Members were informed that street markets would be encouraged to introduce different themes on market days as it was noticeable that the existence of farmers markets had resulted in increase in trading and footfall  especially visitors

·         Members were advised that most authorities in the country were experiencing similar issues on managing street markets and that the decline of traditional street markets was due to a number of factors such as competition from other forms of retail, lack of investment or vision by the local authorities and changing demographics .

·         A Member enquired if the loss of vibrancy of street markets was due to the prevalence of food stalls competing with the shops especially as businesses pay rates and charges.  The Service Manager, Service Trading Standards advised that it had not been raised as an issue, however the Council be looking at ways of assisting or supporting such businesses

·         With regards to the cost of hiring stalls and pitches and the revenue derived by the Council, the Service Manager, Service Trading Standards advised that Council charges £60 per week, the lowest in comparison to other neighbouring authorities and cheaper than markets that are located on private land.  On the issue of revenue, Members were advised that any revenues received would be ring fenced. 

·         A Member enquired whether the Council offered support such as mentoring/training for new stall holders with a view to helping the stall holders move into retail shops .

·         A Member enquired if Officers were aware of a financial  ...  view the full minutes text for item 106