Staying put? A bigger and better Frome Market

FROME market could remain in its Market Yard location, but undergo an expansion and more promotion, with more stalls and advertising. Town councillors are due to discuss the idea this week as Frome Times goes to press.Councillors will consider expanding the market along the Westway precinct leading into Scott Road, with new stalls to be located in front of the library, possibly in King Street, and more intensive use of the existing area by the Market Cross. They will also consider increased advertising to new customers, better signage, the attraction of new traders, and improving the appearance of the market including consideration of parked stallholder vehicles and stall layout.They will also consider extending the Artisan and Flea Market to the Market Place with a partial road closure on eight Sundays per year. If this option gets the go-ahead then it is likely to be trialled for nine to 12 months.In January, Mendip District Council aired plans to close the town centre to traffic and move the Saturday market to the town’s market place for a trial period of three months, The idea was met with criticism from Frome councillors, local shoppers and the market traders themselves who complained that they had not been consulted over the plans.As a result, Mendip District Council’s cabinet put the idea on hold and agreed to conduct a consultation before any decision is made to move the market from its Market Yard car park location. With the consultation concluded, Mendip District Council said that 372 responses were received, with 43% of people were for it, 49% were against, with 6% unconcerned and 3% did not know. Frome Town Council stated, “There was strong support from market traders and market customers to leave the market where it is currently located (Market Yard car park). Interestingly the non market customers and retailers were split almost equally. The missing elements from the consultation were non market customers and potential future market users if and when it is expanded.”Frome Town Council will now consider promoting an improved town market in its current location.A report will also be made to the district council’s cabinet in April.