Plans for town market look to gather pace

The market will take place in the town every Thursday with stalls pitching on the plaza and in designated ‘No Waiting’ restriction parking bays.

Thursday was decided to be the best day for the market as there was previous tradition for the market to be held on that day.

Council have also spoken with Armagh and Banbridge councils to ensure their markets didn’t clash.

According to a recent meeting of the development committee there had been 10 expressions of interest for the 12 stalls.

Discounts will be made for traders taking out monthly pitches and further discounts are available for those who pledge to bring their trade all year round.

With council having given approval to the market plan officers had been working hard to price marquees and associated equipment.

A decision was approved to buy branded marquees which would extend the possibility to take the market on tour.

There is also potential for council departments and community groups to hire the marquees for events when not in use by the market.

Existing traders which include an egg trader, a flower trader and a fish trader have been given special dispensation to trade on Friday and Saturday although the main market will be on Thursdays only.

Lurgan Market will be given priority over any other events taking place on the plaza, especially on market days.

The total space available for the parking of vehicles will be nearly 60 metres squared.

The parking spaces will be on the plaza in front of the War Memorial and opposite Mace and in parking bays opposite Wade Training and outside Byrne’s butchers.

There was concern from Councillor McGibbon about mess caused to the plaza during the market. He was told in order for permits to be issued traders had to bring their own drip trays to cover spillages.