Revamp to get more shoppers in market
A major shake-up of Welshpool market is on the cards after town council bosses admitted it is going through a "poor period" with little chance of attracting new business.
Two units will be removed and frontages improved in a bid to attract more shoppers under plans from Welshpool Town Council, which also says it will relaunch the market hall.
The market, visited by the Queen in 2010, is based at the town hall in Broad Street and was only relaunched five years ago with individual units put in and opening hours extended to six days a week.
Under the new scheme, the market will only be open Mondays, Fridays and Saturday in January and February, while tables and chairs will be placed outside to make it "look more friendly".
Town councillors approved the changes at a meeting last night while a further review is planned for autumn next year.
Town clerk Robert Robinson said: "We compiled a report earlier this month and things have improved slightly since then with three new stallholders now in place, but this does sometimes happen in the run up to Christmas.
"The market is currently going through a poor period with some units empty, as has been the case for a while. There is little likelihood of attracting an occupier soon. The level of income from the markets is under threat. There is a good chance of improving the market if action is taken early enough."
Mr Robinson said the currently vacant units and cafe do not make the market attractive for visitors. He added: "The proposed way forward suggested is removing the two units as you enter the middle market from the front market at the left. This would open up the market area."
