Matlock outdoor market is sell–out success

The first Matlock market is due to be held in Hall Leys Park on Wednesday, May 28, and organisers Matlock Town Team have already sold all 26 stalls.

Chairman of the town team Rob Short said: “It really has snowballed. We have been blown away by how positive traders are about it and the public reaction that we’re getting.

“At first we planned on having eight stalls getting it to a maximum of 20 around Christmas, but out of the box we’ve got 26 stalls booked up for the next ten weeks – they’re all paid off and we have had about another 12 people enquiring about how they can get a stall.”

The market has been made possible thanks to the help of Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council and Matlock Town Council.

Councillor Andy Botham, the county council’s deputy cabinet member for jobs, economy and transport, said: “It’s great that Matlock is to get an outdoor market and the town team has done a fantastic job signing up stall holders.

“The county council provided £10,000 to help buy the stalls – showing our on-going commitment to putting market towns at the heart of our communities.

“By working with the town team and Derbyshire Dales District Council we can make Matlock an even better place to live and work.

“This is a pilot scheme and if successful we’ll look at rolling it out to other towns in the county.”

The town and district councils are credited with providing support for the project.

The district council also allowed the town team to use the park free–of–charge.

Councillor Lewis Rose, leader of the district council, said: “From the inception of this project, the district council has been delighted to support the people behind an innovative new outdoor market, not least the hard–working Matlock Town Team.

“This is something new for the district council’s award–winning Hall Leys Park, helping to add to the vibrancy of the town centre.

“We congratulate the organisers on their success to date. Long may it continue.”

Stalls will sell a variety of items from food to clothes.

Rob added: “The town team have worked very hard to bring something back that local people want.

“It’s keeping things local and bringing something on a weekly basis that will hopefully be a vibrant addition to the town.”

The markets will be held at the park head every Wednesday from 9am and 4pm for a trial period of ten weeks.

For further information on the market, see the ‘Matlock Market’ page on www.facebook.com