Thatcham market under new management

Town council take over responsibility for weekly market

THATCHAM’S market is under new management with the aim of attracting people to the town.

Thatcham Town Council has taken on the co-ordination of the weekly market and has reduced pitch fees to encourage new sellers and attract people to the town centre.

The town council had been paying a management company to run the stalls, however prices for stall holders were more expensive when compared to Newbury’s market.

Regular favourites at the market will continue to sell fresh fruit and vegetables, hot and cold drinks and hot food, cut flowers and potted plants, fresh and frozen meat, cakes, biscuits and preserves, health advice and fashion.

New and casual stallholders will be on-site most weeks selling bedding, mobile phone accessories, clothing accessories, cake pops, stone statues, felt crafts and handmade wooden gifts.

It is hoped Thatcham market will attract even more sellers with the added enthusiasm of new market manager, Steve Brind, who has been drumming up interest.

The mayor of Thatcham Sheila Ellison marked the takeover by cutting a ribbon. She said: “We were blessed with beautiful sunshine and lots of shoppers at our first new market.

“I wish all of our stallholders every success and look forward to seeing Thatcham thriving with people as it becomes even more of a wonderful shopping destination.”

Mrs Ellison added that traders had been very optimistic and pleased with the change of management.

The town council will also be holding activities during the Love Your Local Market campaign, which runs from May 17 until May 31, supported by the National Association of British Market Authorities

If you are a trader and would like a stall in the market, contact Thatcham Town Council on (01635) 863592. Casual as well as regular traders, who meet the criteria, are welcome.

Charity and community organisations wanting a pitch on a one-off basis should also contact the town council.