DROITWICH’S Charter Market could be returning in the spring following discussions at the latest town council meeting.
Members spoke about the situations surrounding both the Charter Market, which used to be held in the town every Friday, and changes to the Worcestershire Farmers’ Markets which happened before Christmas.
Last March the council announced it was looking for a new provider so the Charter Market could return and it was hoped something would be in place by Easter but nothing ever materialised.
And just before Christmas, the chairman of Worcestershire Farmers’ Market Henry Wormington retired, leading to complications with the monthly events held in Droitwich and at Webbs in Wychbold.
The timing of the Mr Wormington’s resignation was good from the point of view that there is traditionally no Farmers’ Market in January.
A committee for the Droitwich and Webbs’ farmers’ markets was set up last week and members at Monday’s meeting agreed to open discussions with representatives.
It is believed there will be a proposal for the authority to take over or look after the 20 to 25 stalls and store them at a secure lock-up it has.
As well as the chance to bring back the Charter Market, there could be plans for traders to hold their own events in the High Street, using the stalls and gazebos the town council already owns and uses for events.
The markets would be subject to insurance and the authority would be looking for a new Charter Market operator people so there would be people in place to set up the stalls and take them down.
Mark Keld, Droitwich Town Council Clerk, said: “People want the markets to continue and they were very popular in the town.
“It’s just down to getting the logisitics and insurance sorted out.”
The Town Council owns the Droitwich Charter started by King John in 1215 and has permission to run a market in the town every Friday.
Any operators interested in running Droitwich’s Charter Market or anyone interested in potentially having a stall should call the town council on 01905 774258.
