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Newcastle Market Move |
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The Chamber of Trade continues to be concerned about the decline in the Market stalls and in particular the proposal to move them away from the bottom end of High Street (south) which is likely to affect most businesses, wherever located on High Street (south).
The meeting on 13th September between affected businesses and Council representatives John Keeling and Jeff Hamnett was very well attended and lively. The Chamber policy was outlined to the group, and the Council proposals were presented. A lengthy session of questions and comments followed. The general mood of the meeting was strongly against the move, and it was agreed that Mr Keeling and Mr Hamnett would take the traders' views back to Council, the Chamber would write to Mr Simon Tagg expressing its position, and individual traders were encouraged to do the same. Those wishing to, should write to Mr S. Tagg, Council Leader, Civic Offices, Merrial Street, Newcastle, Staffs. ST5 2AG.
We have held a number of further meetings on this issue, most recently on 8th January 2007, where Council presented the results of their survey of market stall holders' views. As a result, we have formed an action group to develop a set of proposals for High Street South which can be presented to Council. In the meantime some of the planters will be removed at the crossing to try to encourage flow of shoppers into High Street South.
The sub-committee met on the 22nd of February and subsequently produced a report which the Chamber intends to present to the Council. The main objective of the report is to outline the Chamber's suggestions for improving trade to the market and possible solutions for the area remaining in South High Street should the Council decide to move the market.
1. What the budget for the marketing of Newcastle market and how is it spent? Although traders pay towards marketing in their fees they are not included in decision making on how it is spent.
2. Traders would like to see the purchase of new stals in the very near future even if only the top end of the market is replaced to begin with. Traders would like to see more stable roofing in the new stalls and the ability to expand the stalls when necessary.
3. Lighting is urgently required especially during the winter months.
4. The Chamber hopes the Council will continue to accomodate continental markets and possibly increase the frequency these are held.
5. More local entertainment within the market and particularly in South High Street.
6. Better signage on the roundabouts advertising the historical market and further promotion of specialist markets.
7. Booklets and flyers advertising the different markets and offering a programme of events.
8. A Young Enterprise Zone could be created in South High Street to encourage fledgling businesses.
Overall, the Chamber hopes that we can work with the Council on short term fixes, ultimately building relationships to bring a much needed solution which will benefit all, not to the detriment of High Street (South), closer to fruition. |
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Subways |
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We have pressed for improvements to the subways, which suffers from graffiti and other mess. We are pleased that the council have made a start on improving them and would encourage all the subways to be regularly cleaned and decorated as this is often the first thing that visitors see when entering our town. Thank you to the council.
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Market Stalls |
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We are delighted that after much pressure from traders and support from the Chamber, funds have been allocated for new market stalls. Two Chamber members sat on a committee recently, along with market traders and council employees to hear and comment on proposals from four design groups for the new stalls. We will continue to be involved with this important enhancement to the market and its future. |
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Membership Drive |
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We want to make the Chamber of Trade inclusive and hope to encourage all businesses to join. The website listing is free to members, and only members. The £10.00 nominal cost to join is likely to pay for itself in advertising costs alone. Although most members are currently located within the town centre, we are conscious that the borough is large and therefore wish to include other areas such as Kidsgrove, Silverdale etc to be a part. Everyone has issues which need addressing, and the Chamber of Trade is concerned with the whole Borough, not just the town centre. If you would like to join, or would simply like to see what’s involved, come along to the next meeting and see us in action. All businesses that trade within the Borough are welcome to join. See the events page for meeting details. |
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Promotional Events |
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With the cancellation of the carnival, the Chamber of Trade is encouraging the council to put on other events (not only in the centre of the town) that would attract visitors. Recently we had a jazz band walking around town and it made for a great atmosphere, bringing the whole town to life. We would again like to thank the council for that and encourage them to continue with similar events, along with more extensive activities such as the Jazz Festival and planned Food Festival. While supporting such events, we will continue to press them to reconsider reviving the carnival in future years as other towns do. The Council will be represented at our next meeting to discuss this issue, give feedback on the Jazz Festival and outline plans for the Food Festival and Christmas activities. |
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Policing |
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The Chamber enjoys an excellent relationship with local Police and Inspector Jeff Moore is a regular attendee at our meetings. We have continuously monitored issues such as Town Centre anti-social behaviour and CCTV, and will be represented on a new Council initiative called Business Against Crime which will develop the existing Storenet system and will include activities such as the circulation of offender details. |
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Newcastle Business Panel |
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In July 2003, in an attempt to improve communications with the private sector, the ECRS set up the Newcastle Business Panel, a group of strategic thinkers and decision makers from local businesses.
The Panel meets every seven weeks or so to discuss a wide variety of issues. The meetings this year, for example, have looked at the actions proposed for delivering the regeneration priorities outlined in the Borough’s economic development strategy. Past topics have included recruitment and retention of high level staff, encouraging entrepreneurs, marketing the town centre, local procurement, and many more.
Some meetings are action orientated, some are very discursive, some form the basis of consultations, some are presentations from partners on issues of interest to the private sector.
There’s no set profile for a Business Panel member - they come from all sizes, sectors and locations within the Borough. The one thing they all have in common is a desire to see the area grow and prosper.
If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a member, please contact Trudi Barnard
Tel: 01782 742461 e-mail: econregen@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk
The Chamber now has a representative on the Business Panel and we intend to take an active role in this important initiative.
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Fairtrade |
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Our colleagues at Fairtrade are interested to know which member businesses stock or sell Fairtrade products.
Please send any comments or queries regarding Fairtrade and your business to Trevor Miles (Membership Secretary, PT MIles Jewellers, 01782 634887) |
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Sustainable Communities Bill Update |
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Following on from the success in having the Bill pass its 2nd reading, it now goes to a small committee of MPs where it is discussed line by line. MPs and the government may table amendments. The campaign organisers will have to judge whether to support or oppose them.
IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO LOBBY COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
Report stage and 3rd reading (around April 2007). These two stages usually take place on the same day. Report stage is an opportunity for MPs not on the committee to propose further amendments or indeed new clauses to the bill.
The report stage is our most vulnerable time as MPs (and the government) could table vast numbers of amendments, resulting in the bill falling due to insufficient time to discuss it.
IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO ENGAGE IN FURTHER LOBBYING.
FINALLY COULD YOU PLEASE ASK YOUR MP TO SIGN EARLY DAY MOTION No 468 IN SUPPORT OF THE BIL. You will need to enclose with your letter EDM 468 so that your MP CAN SIGN IT – THIS FORM CAN ONLY BE SIGNED BY YOUR mp.
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