Market to return to traditional heart of Leek next month

Published on 27 September 2021

Traders and shoppers will be able to enjoy traditional market scenes in Leek once again when stalls return to the historic Market Place next month.

From 6 October stall holders will trade from the cobbles following an instruction from the Leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

The market will also continue to trade from Sparrow Park offering the option for product lines to be traded from each location.

The move will also allow for new traders to join the thriving Wednesday outdoor market. Spaces for additional stalls are limited under existing arrangements.

As the Market Place is a larger space, the plan is to increase the number of stalls to occupy the full Market Place during 2022.

Council Leader, Councillor Sybil Ralphs, said: "Leek is a market town in the truest sense so it's entirely fitting that stalls will once again trade from the Market Place and we can all experience and enjoy the traditional atmosphere associated with that billing.

"Markets have thrived in Leek for many hundreds of years and restoring trading to the historic heart of the town, as well as at Sparrow Park, will only enhance the appeal and allow us to expand the market and offer new opportunities to established traders, start-up businesses and entrepreneurs.

"As a keen supporter of markets, I'm very much looking forward to the return of traders and shoppers to the cobbles and the vibrancy and colour they will bring - something that is more welcome than ever as our towns begin the post-Covid recovery and we move into the autumn and winter season.

"Please come and support your local businesses and traders and, if you haven't visited for a while, remind yourself of all that markets have to offer. We look forward to seeing you soon!"

Promotional boards on market days will ensure shoppers are aware that stalls are located in both the Market Place and at Sparrow Park together with social media posts promoting the market.