Support Westminster's street markets, local LibDems tell council and the Mayor
May 13, 2008 7:25 PM
Mark Blackburn, local LibDem chair and former independent retailer, in Berwick Street Market. Mark is encouraging people to sign our petition in support of our local street markets: http://www.westminsterlibdems.org.uk/petitions/
Westminster Liberal Democrats are launching a campaign to promote local street markets, and are calling on both the council and the new Mayor of London to do a lot more to help them.
Commenting, local Liberal Democrat Stuart Bonar said, "Local street markets add to the vibrancy of life here in Westminster, and offer residents and visitors alike lots more choice and greater shopping variety.
"The London Assembly published a report earlier this year with a blueprint for action to help street markets across the capital. Ken Livingstone never got around to responding to its recommendations before the election, but I understand that the new Mayor will be doing so shortly. I hope he does that quickly, and he commits his new administration to action.
"Meantime, the council could also do more to promote the markets, and encourage people to support these great places."
Westminster has many street markets that operate most days, as well as weekly farmers' markets, and weekend artist stalls.
Fellow LibDem campaigner, Martin Thompson, added, "I live a stone's throw from Church Street Market, and use it all the time. It's a great shopping location, but where is the signposting? Marylebone and Paddington railway stations are close, but people could come and go without even knowing there is this great street market within walking distance. People using the nearby Edgware Road Tube station, on the Bakerloo Line, could be forgiven for not knowing it's just a few streets away.
"I blame the council for not doing more for our street markets."
Chair of the local LibDems Mark Blackburn added, "Having been an independent retailer for many years, I can really identify with the problems facing market traders. Rising costs, more bureaucracy, the Congestion Charge and a lack of planning control - all squeezing you as you face the ubiquitous supermarkets. Street markets really are an endangered species, sadly."
The local LibDems have launched a petition online, and will shortly be delivering leaflets to thousands of homes across Westminster that will promote street markets, as well as asking for support in their campaign.
Stuart added, "As the membership secretary of the local Liberal Democrats, I will make sure that the next mailing to members includes information about Westminster's street markets. I want to encourage local LibDems to make use of the markets nearest to them."
The LibDems' online petition can be signed on their website (http://www.westminsterlibdems.org.uk/petitions/).
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