Plans to cut outdoor market days in Sutton announced

Ashfield District Council is proposing to no longer operate the outdoor market in the town on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from April 1.

This means the outdoor market would only be open on Mondays, traders were informed via a council email.

The authority said the decision came after a review found that the market was operating at 'under-capacity' on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays - with an occupancy level of below 31 percent.

Residents in Sutton have expressed concerns about how reducing the number of outdoor market days will affect the town.

Theresa Woodland, 60, who has lived in the community since 2005, says the closure will be a huge loss to her.

"It was the traders who told me, I just said 'you're joking', I was devastated,” she said.

"It's awful it's going to impact everyone, not only the traders and their livelihoods, it's the men who get the market set up.

"These people are so nice and we will miss them, the council can't get away with this - it's a big town.

"The market brings people to the town and people come from different towns to visit it."

The 60-year-old who used to work as a carer in the community, travels into the town centre everyday for the social aspect.

She is concerned that there might be more antisocial behaviour as a result of the market only operating on Mondays.

"The other day the children were off school and there was no market on because of the storm and there was a lot of running and kicking pigeons.

"A town of this size, it's nearly as big as Mansfield and they are keeping their market.

"I am sure if it was Mansfield there would be an outcry."

Ashfield District Council are encouraging traders to attend one-to-one meetings to discuss how the proposals will affect their business.

Councillor Helen-Ann Smith, Deputy Leader of the council, said: “The council is continually reviewing its services to ensure that they offer value for money.

“Currently Ashfield has ten outdoor markets, which is a relatively high number, considering the decline of traditional retail markets. Sutton Outdoor Market is operating at significant under-capacity on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

“If we were to reduce the number of outdoor market days in Sutton as proposed, this would allow for more specialist markets and events to be hosted on Portland Square. We will be promoting the popular Monday market to increase the number of stalls and increase footfall.

“A reduced number of outdoor market days in Sutton will better complement the Idlewells Indoor Market which has over 30 stalls offering a wide range of goods and services. These include butchers, bakers, fruit and vegetables, cards and gifts, toys, fashion and hobbies to name but a few, as well as an excellent café offer, all open from Monday through to Saturday.

“Sutton traders have been invited to discuss alternatives such as street trading. With several traders trading in Sutton for over 30 years, providing consistently great customer service, we will support them to explore alternatives.

“Our aim is to increase footfall and vitality in the town centres, creating a thriving environment to be enjoyed by residents and visitors to the area.”

Traders can arrange consultation appointments with the Markets Team via [email protected].