Re: Market Hall Refurbishment
 

Many councillors remind me of that other old saying, when it comes to economics.

Those that can, do.

Those that can't, teach.

Re: Market Hall Refurbishment
 

Err......I don't think that's a quote from economics - or at least I don't remember it from my studies. I do remember that each year the exam questions were the same; the answers however, were different.

Re: Market Hall Refurbishment
 

Good grief, how similar to the Conservative answers on wi-fi at the Market Hall.

Let's see if they revert to the original promise of full installation when questioned at council next week.

Re: Market Hall Refurbishment
 

Front page of the Observer tonight.

Can't be that big a deal then, can it?

Re: Market Hall Refurbishment
 

Where is the brass plaque dedicated to Peter Britcliffe ?

Re: Market Hall Refurbishment
 

Makes good reading. Ian Smith's family has had a stall on the market since 1929. His great ,great grand father was a stone mason who helped sculpt the statues on the market hall,so his heart is burned deep into the walls and floor.His passion for the market is very obvious if you talk to him. He and the traders are asking to be listened to.They can not sign the leases until the Market Handbook / regulations have been passed , the leases say that the traders agree to opening the hours and days stated in it . The draft copy says 6 days 9-5 !
They are not stupid , most have kept businesses running through the past economical problems in the counrty. So if a 6 day week would work they would be on it by now !!!! the old saying a made market day does not work is still true. I believe a survey was done by the traders of people visiting the market hall during the normal market days and the over whelming majority of people said they would not shop on a wednesdays in the market hall. This is not a commercial decission it is a political driven matter and to hell with who it crushes on the way. These are independant retailers not goverment owned and you will do well to remember that Our glorious leader !!

Re: Market Hall Refurbishment
 

it is on the wall at the side of the Cafe`s. near the new lift. it says re opening of the market hall , it never closed !

Re: Market Hall Refurbishment
 

But it could well close if this lunacy regarding the new contracts is allowed to continue.

Re: Market Hall Refurbishment
 

Just bear in mind that the only real problem is the 'cheap political point-scoring' that myself and other councillors are doing. The market and the new lease agreements would be fine if the traders would simply move into the 21st century, it's just us evil Labour members picking on poor Cllrs Haworth and Britcliffe.

Honest.

We want that gallery to be full next week so that the Leader of the Council and the portfolio holder for markets (titles which they are quick to remind everyone of at every opportunity) can stand up and address their accusers with a rapier wit and a well-turned trouser.

I suspect the buck will be well and truly passed when the time comes.

Re: Market Hall Refurbishment
 

I'll make a wager with anyone who's willing that Britcliffe can't answer any question next week without referring to Graham Jones.

The Market Hall problem? Graham Jones.....

Area Managerment calendars? If Graham Jones didn't own two houses.....

Taxi licensing? Under Graham Jones' leadership.......

Bet you. He just can't help himself.

Re: Market Hall Refurbishment
 

Have any councillors declared an interest in the Market Hall, and therefore won't be voting?

Re: Market Hall Refurbishment
 

There are two types of interest in the Market Hall and it's success or failure:

a) A direct interest - a councillor (or his family/friends) actually having a stall within the Market Hall.

b) An indirect interest - a councillor (or his family/friends) running a retail outlet outside the Market Hall, but which nevertheless is in competition with those inside the Hall and as such it would be to their advantage to make trading conditions within the Market Hall as unfavourable as possible.

Are there any councillors who would fall into this latter category?

Re: Market Hall Refurbishment
 

I am sure you will provide those who don't already know with the answer.

Market Hall Refurbishment
 

Finally, today, I found the plaque :-

As someone mentioned earlier, the market hall NEVER closed (was a bit awkward at times, but never closed).

Re: Market Hall Refurbishment
 

A suggestion / comments box will be available at Ian Smith's stall, M & I K Smith (Bacon and cook Meats) tomorrow Saturday 11th sept ,it will be there for approx 2 weeks .
The AMTA (Accrington Market Traders Association) want the points of view of the people and visitors to Accrington's Market and Market Hall.
All comments and suggestions welcomed ,new ideas , good or not so good. They would like your input. Please pass the message along to all you know.