Council proposes advisory board to oversee market with current management. Critics question process and transparency.
The council plans an advisory board with MAM’s approval. It will help the market’s role downtown. The council approved the deal on February 4. Public access to the deal’s details is restricted.
A councillor, Scott Durham, criticized the approval process. He wanted more council review before approval. Other councillors, Alan Marshall and Roz Henderson, agreed. They questioned the decision at a meeting.
Durham wondered if due diligence happened. Did the council consider all options? Councillors also asked about justifying the advisory board. They noted issues with the council regaining control and potential investment write-offs. The report lacked alternative options. An in-house versus write-off comparison was missing.
Council officials said bringing the market in-house wasn’t viable. They held meetings and chose a direction. A detailed appraisal was therefore unnecessary. The council lacks staff to manage the market. They have limited expertise in retail and marketing. Such change could disrupt positive trading.
The council is not fully taking back the market. This contrasts with a 2023 promise. Chris McEwan noted indoor market refurbishment delays. Now, work is done, and new traders are there.
Economic times changed for businesses. Town centers need support now. McEwan urged support for the market and other businesses. A Conservative leader, Jonathan Dulston, pledged action in 2027. He claims the Labour party broke their promise on the market. They barely considered taking it back, he said. He said Labour kept meetings quiet. They hoped no one would notice, he added.
He promised to stand up for taxpayers and heritage. Scrutiny is key, he noted. He vowed to regain market control in 2027.