Issue - meetings

That the Committee support and recommend to Cabinet:-

·         The closure of Flint street market;

·         Provisional agreement to transfer the operation of the Connah’s Quay street market to Connah’s Quay Town Council, subject to confirmation from the Town Council and agreement of terms; and

·         Continued operation of the Holywell street market on an interim basis and continued discussion with Holywell Town Council on future cost saving options.

The Service Manager Enterprise & Regeneration introduced a report to consider the recommended options for the future of street markets in Flintshire.  He provided background information and advised that a review on the sustainability of smaller street markets in Flintshire had been undertaken.  He explained that consultation had been carried out with Town Councils in Connah’s Quay, Flint and Holywell, and with market traders in Flint and Holywell.

  The Service Manager referred to the main considerations, as detailed in the report.  He also referred to the income generated by each market for the Council compared to the running costs during 2016/17 and the findings and conclusions of the review. 

The Chairman explained that Connah’s Quay Town Council had expressed an interest in taking on the operation of the street market in Connah’s Quay and  commented on the possibility of consideration being given to an amalgamation with market traders in Flint and Holywell to form a single market which could locate to different areas.

Councillor Paul Shotton spoke in support of the recommendations which he said would reduce the operating deficit for the markets overall.  He commented on the general decline in shopping in street markets due to competition from large multi-national retailers and on-line shopping.        

RESOLVED:

That the Committee support and recommend to Cabinet:-

·         The closure of Flint street market;

·         Provisional agreement to transfer the operation of the Connah’s Quay street market to Connah’s Quay Town Council, subject to confirmation from the Town Council and agreement of terms; and

·         Continued operation of the Holywell street market on an interim basis and continued discussion with Holywell Town Council on future cost saving options.