Traders in Louth have said the market is an “asset’ to the town, but agree more needs to be done to keep it alive.
East Lindsey District Council is set to look at how it can make markets across the district more sustainable at a meeting next Tuesday.
Recommendations include creating a five-year plan, further investments, employing a supervisor to enforce regulations and changes to payment systems as well as creating new initiatives to encourage young people and addressing anti-social behaviour concerns.
The market’s busiest day, they say is Wednesday, with Fridays and Saturdays tailing off – particularly as people go out-of-town for their weekend shops.
Karene Leonnard, market trader.
Karene Leonnard has been on the market for four years.
She said: “Other Markets haven’t seen the interest taken as they should and it’s just died.
“We’ve got a great selection and character here and if the market goes where do people come?
“They want variety, they like the one-to-one, they like the fact they can touch and look and ask questions. We all have to work together.
“It’s a beautiful market town, its important that the market stays because it helps the traders but also it’s a great asset to the retailers because you’ve got people coming to see all the interesting things here.”
She said sheets which act as coverings needed to be more secure and agreed with the suggestion of a supervisor to welcome traders.
Cheryl Metcalfe, manageress at the nearby Tina’s cafe, said takings increased by almost 50% on market days – however, she said Friday and Saturday markets were still quiet.
She said: “It’s a shame on Saturday because half the stalls are empty. It doesn’t look very attractive.”
She said the market needed a larger variety of traders to attract people.
Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith, has been a market trader at Louth for 40 years, and said it was about keeping the traders on side.
He said the council could do more to help – including collecting rubbish at the end of the day – and warned of the dangers of out-of-town shopping centres.
Alistair Bourne
Alistair Bourne, who has only been on the market for six weeks, said the market had been “great”.
“I couldn’t think of any other way of selling because I’m not good online, I’m not good at computers. But I wanted to get my name out to the town really and hopefully a bit further.”
Louth Independent Traders chairman Gary Denniss
Gary Denniss, who chairs the Louth Independent Traders said: “Predominantly you’ve got your cafes and coffee shops which are all well-served by the Markets, they are the ones which would suffer first but as a town we all feed off the people who come to the market so it’s an integral part of the town and it’s the identity of the town as well.
“If we were to lose the market people would not come here.”
He said he was working with ELDC to improve the market including trying to entice younger stall holders.
He added that a Christmas Market, set to take place on December 2, would “showcase” how successful it could be – and was fully booked.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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