Funding set aside for council stall repairs

The funding would allow the council to modernise its market service, reduce running costs and ensure that people can enjoy the much-loved local markets for years to come.

Repair work would bring the stalls right up to date, make them safer and ensure they can continue to be used for Calderdale’s regular markets and special events and festivals.

The news comes as a boost to the Brighouse Business Initiative who use 90 per cent of the stalls for their successful street markets and festivals.

Councillor Barry Collins, chair of Calderdale Council’s Economy and Investment Panel, said: “Markets are a vital part of our towns and villages – they are the lifeblood for hundreds of businesspeople, they create local employment, bring in visitors and provide high-quality, low-cost products. Residents and traders have told us we need to invest more in our markets, and we believe that focusing funds on repairs and new equipment is an important way to keep our markets vibrant for generations to come.”

The council’s award-winning markets service runs two market halls, four open markets, two car boot sales and two periodic local produce markets. It also works with community groups to deliver market-based events and festivals throughout the year.

The Economy and Investment Panel’s recommendations will be discussed by Calderdale Council’s Cabinet in the coming weeks.