Future looks bright for new market

12:04am Saturday 12th April 2008

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Downpours cannot dampen the spirits of traders and shoppers of Bingley's new outdoor market as the future of the town continues to look bright.

About a dozen stalls have occupied the town's new £1 million town square since Easter and it is attracting stall holders from as far away as Grimsby.

Fruit and vegetables and flower traders have also swapped their old pitches, at the former Myrtle Walk Shopping Centre, for the new site.

Fishmonger Malcolm Hutchinson travels from Grimsby to the town and could not be happier with his new pitch.

He said: "It is great being able to travel north rather than south. The stall has been very successful so far, the people of Bingley are very friendly and seem to appreciate the quality of the produce. It is a pleasure to be here."

Kevin Good produces his own cheese in Ogden, Halifax, and pitched up for the first time in the town yesterday.

He said: "It is my first day and, considering the weather, I am optimistic for the future. You have got to give trading around six months, you can't expect to be a success overnight. It is a fantastic site, that is why I am here."

Bingley town centre manager David Dinsey said: "Without doubt, the Bingley Fine Food Festival held over Easter greatly helped to launch the relocation of Bingley market from its old site to the new town square. Market traders and visitors alike are pleased with the move and while it is still early days, trade is up and the market is progressing well.

"I would like to invite all those who live in and around Bingley to make a special effort to visit the market on either Wednesday, Friday or Saturday and to see for themselves."

Robert Harrison, president of Bingley Chamber of Trade, said it was a "revolutionary" time for the town, with the successful start of the market, the forthcoming multi-million 5Rise shopping centre development and the £20,000 which has been earmarked to spruce up the town centre.

Some of that money will be used for this year's Christmas lights.