TOWN CENTRE MARKETS DECISION REAFFIRMED (11/01/07)

The Executive’s decision was called in for reconsideration by the council’s Local Governance Overview & Scrutiny committee. After some discussion and clarification of a number of issues it was decided that the previous decision to award the contract to Wendy Fair Markets Ltd should stand.

It was felt that Wendy Fair Ltd which currently operates several markets on behalf of local authorities was the option which offered the most experience and opportunities for investment in the security and future development of both markets.

It is intended that the contract will begin in April 2007 and will be initially for five years. While the council will no longer be involved in the day to day running of the markets, it will have regular meetings with Wendy Fair and will also carry out regular inspections.

Councillor Philip Penman who has portfolio responsibility for Financial management at the council said: "The South Bedfordshire street markets are a valued part of the economic vitality and viability of the two town centres. It is in the interests of Wendy Fair to make these markets even more successful and to attract a variety of stalls and customers to the markets. Well run markets will increase the numbers visiting our town centres and that will be of great benefit to our entire community."