TRADING charges are to be reduced over a trial period with the aim of resuscitating a troubled market. North Hertfordshire District Council agreed last Thursday to create flat fees of £10 on Tuesdays and £15 on Saturdays for licensed and unlicensed trader
TRADING charges are to be reduced over a trial period with the aim of resuscitating a troubled market.
North Hertfordshire District Council agreed last Thursday to create flat fees of £10 on Tuesdays and £15 on Saturdays for licensed and unlicensed traders at Hitchin market.
It will also underwrite potential losses of around £31,000 in order to see the market flourish and generate additional traders. The discounts will run for six months with a view to being reviewed.
The decision follows a report presented by Cllr Ian Knighton, portfolio holder for leisure and e-government, which said the council needed to act swiftly.
Calls for discounted charges were also made as part of a business plan by the Hitchin Traders' Association presented to the council in January.
John Haykin, spokesman for Hitchin Traders' Association, said: "The question mark over Churchgate's future certainly rocked customer confidence in the market and its future and this move is a very positive step forward.
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