Councillors plan ‘brainstorming’ session to help to shape future vision for Wisbech market place
Wisbech market place. Picture: Steve Williams. - Credit: Archant
Town councillors are being asked to take part in a “brainstorming” meeting to determine the future of Wisbech market place.
Town clerk Terry Jordan said the market place management committee – chaired by Councillor David Oliver- had previously agreed the need for a formal development plan/vision for the market place deliverable over three to five years.
Accordingly Mr Jordan said he would make arrangements for a “brainstorming meeting of members of this committee to begin that process”.
Minutes of a recent market place committee reveal how near the council had got to removing eight plane trees and the central plinth.
He said works had been scheduled for week beginning July 13 but only the late intervention of Fenland Council stopped it happening.
Fenland Council recommended refusal of the application and as a result the application was withdrawn.
But Mr Jordan said he hoped to arrange a meeting “with the relevant officers of FDC and the chairman of the committee” to discuss options “for furtherance of this project”.
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The clerk noted the council’s “awareness that some members of the local community, including the Wisbech Society, are opposed to the removal of those trees.”
Number of traders using the market remains, says Mr Jordan, at a “relatively constant level, albeit that the types of goods being sold varies.
“For example the market has recently gained a trader selling shows but has lost a hot food vendor. Officers are constantly looking for additional ways of spreading the word.”
Income from April 1 to June 30 was £14,921.89 which is down for the same period last year (£17,861.33) but he says this year’s figures are in line with the budget.
Events planned for the year including an August Bank Holiday theme ‘WisBEACH party” with donkey rides, fairground rides and Punch and Judy.
There is also to be a heritage market on September 14 and there has been confirmation that this year’s Christmas market in the town will be on a Sunday – December 13 from 10am to 3pm.
A busker day and youth arts events are also being considered.
Sunday car boot sales are to continue and will be reviewed in six months.
