New Milton mayor stresses importance of town’s struggling Wednesday street market on Station Road

NEW Milton’s mayor highlighted the importance of the council’s struggling street market amid ongoing talks over its future.

As reported in the A&T, a question mark hangs over the Wednesday Station Road fixture, which has been in place since 2004.

The town council took over its running 10 years ago, but like many other markets, it has suffered after the pandemic and dwindling stall numbers.

Cllr Steve Clarke questioned its viability in June, also citing a £1,860 annual payment to New Forest District Council for recycling unsold fruit and veg.

The fruit and veg stall, Barrett and Sons, contributes £30 per week towards this cost.

Speaking at a recent full town council meeting, Cllr Alan O’Sullivan said the street market working party agreed it was in decline.

It was also considering a proposal by Southern Market Traders to take on the running of the fixture.

The working party intended to survey residents’ views as to the sort of facility they would like to see on Station Road, whether a market or not, Cllr O’Sullivan said.

Amenities chairman Cllr Geoffrey Blunden pointed out the matter would first have to be discussed at that committee’s next meeting.

“The market is being looked at in terms of how we can create enthusiasm for it,” he explained.

Mayor Cllr David Hawkins responded: “The market, to me, is essential. It brings people together, it’s different.

“We really need to work hard to keep it.

“We need to sound our residents out before we discuss our next steps forward.”

When the A&T spoke to traders and shoppers about the uncertainty in June, they highlighted the importance of the weekly market.

Billy Barrett, one of the bosses of Barrett & Sons, which has traded in New Milton since the start, said customers valued the more personal service they did not get in shops.

“It’s our livelihood,” he said.

“Without New Milton, without our regular customers, we would not earn a living, we would not get the money to feed our kids.”

Shopper Georgie Gosnold told the A&T the market “adds a bit of local character” and provided the “vital” chance to make local sales.

A report by the council’s town development manager, Chiara Rabbito said: “The street trading working party will be looking at ways and options to improve and attract a greater interest in our market, both from stall holders and visitors, and to include a richer choice of produce and wares for the consumer to peruse and purchase.”