Issue - meetings

(A report of Phil Perry, Assistant Director - Leisure and Culture)

Portfolio Holder: Councillor Dale Broughton

The Deputy Leader presented the report which provided an overview on how Boston’s regular Wednesday and Saturday markets had been performing, and proposed actions for the further development of the service.

The markets operated through a market policy, which set out the management and responsibilities of both the Council and the Traders.  The Policy was attached in Appendix 1 within the report. Appendix 2 within the report detailed a proposed action plan for Boston Market, which had been developed to support economic, efficient and effective service delivery.

The Service was also reviewing its operation and a Development and Action plan had been drafted in order to achieve those outcomes, which focussed on:

·       Delivering modern traditional markets that were cost efficient delivering the best value for money;

·       Delivering vibrant attractive markets that appeal to visitors and residents alike;

·       Attracting new young traders;

·       Increasing marketing activity; and

·       Working with the Council’s Events Team and local partners to add value to markets with entertainment and events.

The Deputy Leader advised that the report had been considered by the Overview and Scrutiny - Environment & Performance Committee on Tuesday 13^th February 2024.

Members discussed the age demographic of the market. Councillor Callum Butler noted that market trading was an ageing profession. Councillor Dale Broughton advised that the teenage market had been set up to encourage young people into the trade, which had proved very popular. He mentioned other initiatives that were being implemented in respect of craft markets and farmers markets.

Councillor John Baxter referred to the comparisons that had been made against other markets in Lincolnshire, within the report, which he believed to be reasonable. He queried whether traders from outside of Lincolnshire were being approached. Councillor Broughton confirmed that stall holders from areas such as Derby, Melton Mowbray, Loughborough and Leicester, etc, had shown interest and added that he wanted to encourage more locals to set up. He advised that the implementation of tourist buses were also being considered.

Councillor Sandeep Ghosh queried the waiting list for the teenage market. Councillor Broughton confirmed that there was a limited number of stalls for the teenage market which was continually being fully utilised.

Members thanked Councillor Broughton and Officers for their report.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Dale Broughton and seconded by Councillor Sarah Sharpe.

RESOLVED:

1.     That the Boston Market update report and its appendices be noted; and

2.     That the Action Plan be approved.