Hopes to save a town’s historic market have received a boost as the council has pledged to keep the market alive.
Sheringham market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 8am to 4pm, at the North Norfolk District Council (NNDC)-owned Station Road car park.
Sheringham market (Image: Adam Barker)
READ MORE: Sheringham Potty Festival keeps Morris tradition alive
However, the livelihoods of the traders are under threat after the decline of the market has led to less footfall and a fewer number of stalls - with the market being cut to half the size it used to be.
The traders have been desperately trying to rescue the market – with plans to create a bustling midweek ‘makers market’.
NNDC has now said it has a plan in place to improve the market.
An NNDC spokesperson said: “We have been consulting with some of the Sheringham market traders to identify ways in which the market can be improved.
“We have identified a short-term and long-term action plan to work with the market traders into the future.
“These action plan ideas include things such as social and video promotion, new signage, free-trial promotions and a link with our Economic Development Team to support traders.”
NNDC said there are approximately 60 to 70 pitches available for traders at the market, with some traders taking more than one pitch.
Around 20pc of the car park is allocated for the market.
READ MORE: Gansey of Inclusivity unveiled at Sheringham Museum
Trader Marc Wye-Harris (Image: Adam Barker)
Marc Wye-Harris, who has been a trader at Sheringham market for more than 30 years, said traders were working with the council to create an "improved and varied" market experience.
Mr Wye-Harris, who owns the Book Heaven stall, said: “There’s still a very good opportunity for traders to sell here at Sheringham market."
Trader Kerry Smith said she hears "people come through the market and say how much it has shrunk in recent years”.
Another trader at Sheringham market, who preferred not to be named, said: "Sheringham market needs to be valued again”.
READ MORE: Pride in Sheringham's new Barney's town centre Post Office
Kerry Smith (Image: Adam Barker)
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here