Public’s views to be sought on New Milton Town Council’s struggling Station Road street market

NEW Milton councillors have agreed measures to help cut its costs for running the struggling street market while its future remains under review.

As reported in the A&T, the Wednesday Station Road fixture, which has been in place since 2004 and run by the council for 10 years, is facing uncertainty.

Its trading has been impacted by the pandemic, while stall numbers have dwindled in recent years.

Town clerk Graham Flexman told Monday’s amenities committee meeting all options were being looked at while an action plan is compiled by the council’s street trading working party.

Discussions over the market’s viability began in June when the cost of disposing of unsold stock from the Barrett & Sons fruit and vegetable stall was highlighted.

The town council had been paying an annual £1,860 to New Forest District Council for recycling the goods.

But now, Barrett & Sons, which had contributed £30 per week towards this, has agreed to provide its own bin from 4th October. The NFDC arrangement will be terminated from 30th September.

The meeting heard traders agreed to a small pitch fee increase – the first since the pandemic – which will also come into force from 4th October.

The new stock disposal arrangement and the pitch fee rise was expected to ensure an annual income of around £6,000 after costs.

Four to seven stalls per week currently make up the market, but Mr Flexman said efforts to attract more traders had so far been unsuccessful.

“We’re now looking at residents’ views for the best course of action for street trading,” he added.

The consultation is being carried out this month through a small questionnaire via social media and a stall on one of the trading days.

Local businesses will also be canvassed before the matter is discussed further at the next amenities meeting on 16th October.

The working party reported it had informed traders the street market would be under review, and they acknowledged changes may be necessary.

The working party report concluded: “There is no doubt that it does provide a service to the town, but this is the right time to be holding a full review to ensure all available options are explored.”

Town mayor Cllr David Hawkins had previously called the market “essential”, saying: “We really need to work hard to keep it.”