“All traders were immensely pleased”

By timesecholife on in All News, Leek news

Market traders have spoken of their “delight” that they have been able to move back to their old pitches in a Moorlands town once more. Last week, we reported that the new leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, councillor Paul Roberts, had made a u-turn on the previous leader, councillor Sybil Ralph’s decision for Wednesday market stalls, which had been put along Derby Street for the past few years, to go back on the Market Place.

Market traders have spoken of their “delight” that they have been able to move back to their old pitches in a Moorlands town once more.

Last week, we reported that the new leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, councillor Paul Roberts, had made a u-turn on the previous leader, councillor Sybil Ralph’s decision for Wednesday market stalls, which had been put along Derby Street for the past few years, to go back on the Market Place.

Cllr Ralphs decision, which she made earlier this year, had been met with much objection from both traders and shoppers alike.

Since being voted as the new leader of SMDC, cllr Roberts has met with market traders and then made the u-turn for their stalls to be placed back along Derby Street. This happened on Wednesday (May 11) – just a week after he had been voted into position.

Market traders, who have their stalls back in Derby Street have stated they are “immensely pleased” to be back along the town’s main shopping street.

Iona Robertson, one of the stall holders, told the Leek & Moorlands Echo: “We were delighted.

“It was a great day in spite of the weather – all traders were immensely pleased.

“We had a huge welcome back from the shop owners and very many customers. They have missed us.

“The town crier gave me a present said he’d missed me – like a hole in the head – he’s a character.”

Iona added: “It was like Christmas, everyone was so happy and smiling and genuine.

“I knew we would be back, just didn’t know when.

“We are looking forward to a long and happy summer of trading.

“Leek is a fantastic place with great people. Staffordshire hospitality at its best all round, people, shops, scenery and venues.

“It really is a gem in the Staffordshire Moorlands.”

Photos by Iona Robertson

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