The Petition of the people of Dawley and the wider Telford area,
Declares that the Friday market in Dawley should be returned to the High Street.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons supports the principle of a market in the High Street on Friday and urges all parties to secure this as soon as possible.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by David Wright, Official Report, 12 September 2013; Vol. 567, c. 26P.]
[P001221]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government:
Ministers at the Department for Communities and Local Government note the wishes of the petitioners calling for the weekly Friday market that was previously held on the High Street to be moved back there.
Telford and Wrekin Council are responsible for the day to day decisions on the retail markets which they control in their area. Ministers are pleased to note that the market has recently returned to the High Street. They wish it every success.
The Government support retail markets in recognition of their significant economic, social and environmental benefits and encourage councils to consider carefully their market offer and to invest in them. Ministers consider that markets can be an important part of the strong retail mix that town centres need to attract shoppers and provide consumer choice. They also believe that local markets should stay in the heart of community life. Markets offer much more than a place where you can buy and sell goods. They are a meeting place and a focal point for local people from different communities to come together. They provide opportunities for people to take the first step on the entrepreneurial ladder.
The Department for Communities and Local Government is continuing to support the National Association of British Market Authorities in its work to deliver the “Love Your Local Market” campaigns at Christmas and in May 2014, and encourage all markets to participate in them.