Derbyshire town market closes blaming council costs and conditions

Resident volunteers revived the market in the Civic Centre car park as an open-air lifeline to traders and shoppers during the Covid pandemic, and it has continued to run from Easter to Christmas each year since.

However, uncertainty over the market’s future saw the number of stalls dwindle towards the end of 2025, and the non-profit community interest company (CIC) behind it has taken the difficult decision not to reopen for 2026.

Market manager Nick Simper said: “Despite its strong legal foundation and clear community benefits, recent financial and operational constraints imposed by North East Derbyshire District Council have rendered the market financially unsustainable.

“I’d love to reinstigate it, but our traders were not fly-by-night people. They’re professionals with mortgages to pay, and if I can’t provide them with a market they need to go where there is footfall.

“Once you start to lose traders, you lose customers too. There’s little point in going without all the stalls, and things spiral downwards from there.”

Before this latest incarnation, it had been decades since the town had a regular market – its heyday was the 1970s and ‘80s – but it has been a feature of local life for centuries.

The market was formally established in 1662 by King Charles II, in a charter recognising Dronfield as a market town, and the permit rights have been passed down generations of the Cecil family, historic lords of the manor, up to the present day.

Nick said: “This unique legal standing distinguishes Dronfield from neighbouring markets, many of which operate without such formal authority.

“Ceasing the market represents not only the loss of a historically significant institution but also the erosion of a valuable community asset that promotes social wellbeing, economic activity and community spirit.”

The Cecil family’s say-so only goes so far, with NEDDC retaining powers over the use of the car park.

Nick said: “In 2021, NEDDC approved the use of the Farwater Lane car park under a formal agreement, with a nominal ‘peppercorn’ rent of £1 per week. This enabled the market to relaunch successfully and rebuild trader participation.

“In 2025 the council regeneration team came in and proposed relocating the market to a newly developed event space within the Civic Centre, at £50 per month, but the proposed space could accommodate only 3–4 stalls, compared to the existing 12–16 traders.

“That uncertainty led to trader attrition and reduced confidence, which destabilised the market and hindered our growth. As the stallholders drifted away we were down to four in the week before Christmas.”

He added: “NEDDC has since reverted to the original Farwater Lane location but introduced substantially revised financial and operational conditions, including a £100 a week rental charge.”

By the CIC’s reckoning, changes imposed by the authority would mean an increase in annual operating costs rise from £1,405 to £8,830 – figures disputed by NEDDC.

As well as the rent hike, Nick says council officers have demanded the market stump up for mandatory safety barriers, while also withdrawing previous indications of support such as providing gazebos and storage space.

Nick said: “This represents a near tenfold increase in operating costs compared to previous years, and a dramatic escalation in operational burden.

“Neighbouring markets benefit from direct local authority support. In contrast, Dronfield – despite its Royal Charter – receives no such support and is required to operate under significantly higher financial constraints.

“This disparity raises concerns regarding fairness and consistency in local market governance, and I can think of no other reason than they’re trying to price us out.”

A spokesperson for NEDDC said: “The council has been in contact with Dronfield Market CIC, via Mr Simper, to discuss the market’s future and explore ways it could continue.

“The council has consistently supported Dronfield Market over a number of years and recognises the value it brings to Dronfield town centre. At no point have charges been introduced with the intention of discouraging the market. Any fees discussed relate to ensuring the council can continue to provide the appropriate services and infrastructure required to host a market in a busy town-centre location.

“Claims that the council has offered no assistance or encouragement do not reflect the history of engagement. The council has maintained regular contact with Dronfield Market CIC over several years, including in‑person meetings, visits to the market, and ongoing email and telephone discussions. More recently, officers proposed alternative options to help the market remain in its preferred location while meeting operational and safety requirements.”

They added: “With regard to future costs, the figures quoted publicly do not accurately reflect the options presented. Charges relating to car park use are based on the Council’s standard Car Park Closure Fees, which are designed to cover operational and administrative costs. Depending on the agreed layout and duration of trading, these costs were estimated to range from approximately £960 to £3,200 over a 32‑week trading period.

“Appropriate safety barriers are required to protect pedestrians from vehicle movements during trading hours. A number of compliant barrier options were provided to Dronfield Market CIC, including options that were considerably more cost‑effective than those quoted. Layout options were also provided to allow for future growth of the market while ensuring compliance with essential health and safety requirements.

“The council therefore considers that both compliant and affordable solutions were offered to support the continued operation of the market.

“The council remains committed to supporting any appropriate organisation wishing to operate a market in Dronfield. Should the current provider decide not to continue, the Council would welcome proposals from alternative organisers who can attract former, existing and new stallholders, ensuring the market can continue to grow and thrive for the benefit of the town.”