Great news for Frome this morning, with the announcement from Mendip District Council that the Saturday Market will be reinstated.
Leader of Frome Town Council, Cllr Anne Hills said: “This is fantastic to hear this morning, and I want to thank all those who got behind the campaign to get this important market back up and running. This is great news for the whole town – not only for the traders who have had their livelihoods impacted but for those who want a safe, outside shopping experience.
“My thanks go out to Mendip District Council who we have worked with extensively to get this reinstated, and to all staff at MDC who are working tirelessly with the vaccination programme. Additionally, I want to thank Frome Chamber of Commerce for their support during the campaign. The Market will be open for business on Saturday 13th for essential shopping, and please do wear a mask and socially distance when you shop.”
Mendip’s full press release is below:
Mendip Markets to extend operating hours thanks to public support
Mendip District Council is to extend outdoor market opening times and reinstate its Saturday offer in Frome and Wells, following positive footfall figures and feedback from customers.
From tomorrow (Tuesday, 9th February), Mendip Markets will operate Monday to Friday, 9am-2pm in Glastonbury, Street, Shepton Mallet, Frome and Wells. And from this Saturday (13th February), there will be a markets in Wells and Frome, 9am-2pm. Stalls will sell essential provisions such as food, cleaning products and pet supplies.
The move will boost businesses and the wider economy and will be welcomed by stallholders and local residents.
The Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services, Cllr Josh Burr, said: “We’ve been talking to traders and residents throughout the pandemic, and sought guidance from the National Federation of Market Traders (NFMT). We thank everyone for their insights, understanding and encouragement.
“Despite COVID and calls on the Council for support with testing and vaccination programmes, we managed to keep the markets open Monday to Friday, in recent weeks, and offered free rents and free parking as incentives to support what we know to be a very valuable community resource.
“The reduction of Saturday slots in Wells and Frome was a temporary move, and we are delighted to see them quickly return once more.”
Cllr Burr added: “The continued success of the COVID vaccine roll-out has brought new confidence to our communities. People are clearly keen to get outdoors and support our much-loved markets across the district. We recognise that, and also the need to help our businesses and the local economy.
”The extended opening hours will begin across the district from tomorrow, with Saturday markets returning this weekend. Our experienced Markets Officers will be on-hand to ensure these events are legally compliant and safe, and to offer any reassurance that’s required.”
Cllr Burr concluded: “We wanted to bring the Saturday market back as quickly as possible. The offering may be lighter to allow traders to source stock, however we know they are chomping-at-the-bit to set up stall, and that our residents will return to them again, with great enthusiasm.”
Mendip Market opening times will remain under monthly review, and should Mendip’s COVID response be called upon again by Government and the NHS, the Council will advise traders, city and town councils, and the public of any changes.
Can’t make the markets? If you are unable enjoy the outdoor offering, don’t worry – you can still support Mendip stallholders. Your District Council has created an online directory that showcases our many market traders. Visit: https://www.mendip.gov.uk/markets
To stay up to date with market news please follow @mendip_markets on Twitter and @mendip.markets on Instagram or visit our website www.mendip.gov.uk/markets
