Meeting documents

Members were provided with written responses to questions previously submitted on the High Wycombe town market, and Peter Wright, Interim Head of Regeneration attended the meeting to provide further clarification if required.

Members considered the information and a number of queries were raised.  The main points were as follows:

·         Members were not satisfied with the written responses to the questions and there were inconsistencies in the answers.

·         The issue regarding the green and white gazebo covers for stalls had not been resolved and more information regarding this matter was requested.

·         There was a suggestion in the responses that the market be open for an additional day.  Some concerns were raised regarding adding an additional day that would primarily be for food and this was not necessary.

·         Some members were also concerned that food stalls at the market were not paying licence fees for the table and chairs that were set out on market days.

·         There were thriving markets around the country and an indoor market should be considered.  Mr Wright confirmed that the Chiltern Shopping Centre was privately owned and an indoor market was not an option on this site.

·         Consideration should be given to changing the market operator and the council should invest in the market. In response Mr Wright noted that the contract with the current market operator was in place until 2021 and it would be for the new unitary authority to make decisions regarding the market contract in the future.

·         Some members were concerned that hot food was taking over the market however some members supported the hot food sales.

·         There were a number of termination clauses in the contract however there had been no issues that met these high thresholds for termination of the contract.

·         Mr Wright noted that there were no resources available to manage the market in house at the District council. 

·         It was suggested by some members that there should be a range of diverse food stalls and food providers should be congratulated on the current variety.

·         It was noted on the high street that business pay a levy to the HWBIDCo and market traders do not pay, and that market stall holders could be effecting businesses on the high street.

A motion was put forward by Councillor Mrs Clarke OBE; that the market would not be extended by one more day for further hot food sales, this was seconded by Cllr M Hussain JP. A vote was taken on the motion which was carried 7 in favour, 5 abstained.

A further motion was put forward by Councillor J Wassell; that the option for an international food market be investigated, this was seconded by Cllr S Raja.  A vote was taken on the motion which was carried 7 in favour, 4 against and 1 abstained.

The Chairman confirmed that these proposals would be referred to Cabinet for discussion.

Recommended to Cabinet: 

That the following proposals be discussed and considered - 

i)             the market does not open for one more day for further hot food sales and;

ii)            the option for an international food market be investigated.