Thetford Town councillors agree pitch price reduction and new stall incentives to boost market

Pitch fees for Thetford market traders have been slashed and incentives put in place to attract new stalls to pitch up after being agreed by the town’s council.

Thetford Town Council agreed to cut fees paid for current market pitches by around 25 per cent, recognising the impact of the cost of living crisis and inflationary pressures on stall holders.

On top of this, the councillors also agreed an introductory rate for new traders – seeing a weekly pitch booked for two months only costing one and a new price for young market traders under the age of 25.

Councillor Terry Land, chairman of the venues and markets committee, said: “Rising prices have been affecting us all, including our market traders.

“This has caused tough trading conditions against a backdrop of much wider challenges. Town Councillors wanted to use whatever powers were have at our disposal to support traders which is why we have approved this reduction.”

The decision to reduce fees comes on top of a decision last month to recruit a new market co-ordinator.

Following a recruitment process, the new person will be joining the council’s staff team shortly and will be tasked with supporting existing traders as well as recruiting new ones.

Councillor Doug Jefferson, vice chairman of the committee added: “We have seen a lot more positivity about the market and the town centre generally with the very popular continental market earlier this year and the heritage-themed events on the market square.

“We are determined to grow the market and attract new traders and I urge residents to support them.

“Ultimately, whether or not our market thrives depends on the extent to which we all support it”

For more information about Thetford Market, email: mail@thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk