Leek markets show loyalty to local businesses and shoppers

Local markets help towns to thrive - and here in Leek the feelgood factor is going even further by benefiting shoppers and local tradespeople alike.

Lucky regular customer, Mrs S Trafford from Leek, has become the first winner of the loyalty card draw winning £50 in vouchers to spend in the Butter and Trestle Market.

And five local businesses have been engaged to provide services ranging from deep cleaning and painting to printing and new signage as part of the project to refurbish the indoor markets.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is investing in Leek's markets by refurbishing the indoor markets and rebranding the markets with a contemporary new logo featuring the history and heritage of the Victorian buildings.

Councillor Edwin Wain, Cabinet member for planning, development and property at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said: "Markets help to boost the local economy and attract visitors and shoppers and here in Leek our markets continue to grow.

"The Council's investment is a clear demonstration of the value we place on the future of our markets so it's great to see that other local service providers are also benefitting from this investment. We have some excellent businesses here in the Moorlands and it makes good sense all round to use the expertise on our doorstep."

The companies supplying services are:

Moorlands Contract Cleaning - deep cleaning the Butter Market entrance

She's Painting - painting external woodwork at the Butter Market entrances and service areas

HCM Printers - who printed the loyalty cards and the new markets leaflet

Leek Signs - who supplied the new market signs and a-boards

City-B Group - who provided the new covers for the Trestle Market tables

The loyalty card scheme was introduced in May alongside the new Farmers Market with one winner drawn when the market takes place on the third Saturday of each month.

The cards are available from any of the Butter Market stalls on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday or Trestle Market stalls on Wednesday and Saturday. Every purchase over £5 qualifies for a sticker and shoppers who collect nine stickers can enter the monthly draw to win £50 in vouchers to spend in the indoor markets.

Councillor Wain added: "We know people enjoy shopping on the stalls and we also wanted to reward their loyalty which is why we introduced the cards. I'm delighted that Mrs Trafford is the first to reap the benefits of regularly shopping in the market and look forward to many more people winning vouchers in the months to come."