York Road Market – use it or LOSE it!

The original indoor market was closed by the Council in October 2009 on health and safety grounds after a report revealed a series of major defects.

But earlier this year, following numerous representations from traders and shoppers, the Council moved to re-establish a twice-weekly market on the York Road site.

Trading recommenced on April 23rd - St George's Day - under the supervision of new market operators Geraud Markets UK.

But although the return of the market was initially successful the number of shoppers using it tailed off dramatically, resulting in fewer and fewer stalls.

Now Council Leader Nigel Holdcroft has warned that unless the people of Southend demonstrate their support for the market the authority will be forced to pull the plug on it.

He said: "Following the closure of the old indoor market shoppers and traders alike implored us to do everything in our power to bring the market back as soon as possible.

"We listened to them and we have invested a significant amount of money and Council resources to provide new amenities and stalls for traders.

"We also brought in market specialists Geraud to run the re-launched market in a bid to make it a success again.

"But there is only so much we can do as a local authority and we need traders to trade from the market and shoppers to buy goods from it.

"It wasn't working as a Friday and Saturday market so we have decided to give it one last big push as a Friday-only market in the hope that it will prosper.

"We desperately want the market to succeed but we can't afford to bank roll it - people have got to understand that if it doesn't become viable we'll have to call time on it."

The second re-launch of the market will take place this Friday (9th September) with 11 traders in place to sell their goods.

They include a greengrocer, a meat stall, a plant and hanging basket trader, a handbag stall and a popular food outlet.

John Connolly, Business and Contracts Manager for market operator Geraud, said: "I urge market traders in Southend and the surrounding area to give York Road a chance.

"It's got new amenities, great car parking for traders and new stalls provided by the Council - and it's in a well known location.

"A re-launched market is going to need a little time to establish itself in the current economic climate but York Road has a lot of positives going for it."

Mr Connolly said Geraud was happy to discuss how it could support traders interested in returning to the market.

He added: "We are offering half-price stalls for the first month of the re-launch to any trader selling goods which aren't already on offer at the market.

"Deals are on offer to other traders at the management's discretion - we will look at every trader on an individual basis to see how we can give them further support."

Anyone wishing to purchase stalls at the re-launched market can contact Emma on 0151 2332165