At last month’s Retford Business Forum, a number of members voiced their opinion that Retford’s historic market should be based on Market Place, now that its £1 million improvements have been completed.
Earlier this year, Retford’s Market Place was closed in order to carry out improvements, with market stallholders having to move onto Carolgate in order to continue trading. This move proved popular amongst many, with a number of stallholders reporting that they had doubled their income due to increased footfall.
However, now that the market square has been revamped, the Retford Civic Society explained to the Retford Business Forum how important it was that the traditional market should be held there, especially in light of the expensive upgrades and concerns from the emergency services about the potential problems that could arise from a permanent move to Carolgate’s narrow street. Stalls can seriously impede access for emergency vehicles in case of a serious incident. Plus, not all stalls can fit along Carolgate.
Chair of Retford Civic Society, Derek Turner, explained: "We feel it is very important to keep the tradition of holding the market in the square.
"We have conducted numerous surveys of visitors to Retford on heritage and charter days and one of the key views expressed is it is very important to them that the market is held in the square.”
Bassetlaw council has been asked by Councillor Ian Campbell to begin a consultation on the future uses of Retford’s Market Square. Retford Business Forum members will receive a copy of the document so that they can voice their opinion.