(Image: submitted)
Concerns have been raised about the future of a market after the council proposed changes to stall rental arrangements aimed at addressing ongoing financial losses.
The council carried out a consultation with traders over the summer, seeking views on options to help make the market financially sustainable.
According to Leeds City Council, 12 surveys were returned from the 23 traders currently trading at Otley Market.
Of the eight respondents who expressed a preferred option, six favoured increasing stall rents.
Following the consultation, the council announced plans last week to increase Friday and Saturday stall rents from £23.50 to £33.50 per day from November 1, while Tuesday charges would remain unchanged.
However, after further feedback and concerns from traders since the announcement, the council has now paused the planned increase and will instead ask traders to collectively choose between two options.
Under the first option, traders would provide, set up and dismantle their own stalls, reducing the daily charge from £23.50 to £20 per stall. Under the second option, the council would continue to handle the set-up and take-down of stalls and the daily charge would rise to £33.50.
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “Otley Market plays an important part in the local community and we are hugely appreciative of the hard work and dedication of all those who trade there.
“The market has, however, been running at a loss for several years. These losses have previously been absorbed by the council but the financial pressures we are facing mean this approach is no longer sustainable.
“Consultation with traders was carried out over the summer and, based on the responses received and following careful consideration, it was decided that an increase in stall rent on Fridays and Saturdays would be the most productive way forward.
“Further feedback has been received since this news was announced last week and, as a result, traders will now be asked to collectively decide on one of two options.
“These options reflect the fact that the bulk of the market’s current running costs are generated by the council handling the set-up and take-down of stalls.
“One of the options will be for Friday and Saturday traders to bring, set up and take down their own stalls, as traders at Otley’s Tuesday market already do. If this is the most popular option, then the new arrangements would include a small reduction in rent.
“Under the second option, the previously announced rent increase would be introduced but the council would continue to handle the setting up and taking down of stalls.
“We would stress that these changes are being proposed with a view to bringing the market’s finances to a break-even position and safeguarding its long-term future.
“We are also determined to do as much as we can to fly the flag for the market, with a programme of promotional activity planned that will be aimed at shoppers and potential new traders.”
Helen Jenner, who trades as White Rabbit Jewellery, selling jewellery and children's items from a stall outside Superdrug on Saturdays, was one trader who questioned the consultation process and the potential impact of rent increases on the market.
She said several traders had told her they may stop attending the market if higher charges are introduced, adding that additional costs could be particularly challenging for businesses operating more than one stall.
Calling for wider discussions involving traders, local councillors and the community, she said: "We need a proper meeting with stall holders, local councillors and the community to come up with a viable option for the future of the market. I don't believe putting the cost of the stalls up will be helpful in the long term."
Otley MP Katie White has also contacted Leeds City Council about the issue.
She said: "Otley Market is at the heart of our town, and I want to see it thriving for years to come. I understand the Council faces financial pressures, but I've heard real concerns from traders about what this increase could mean for their businesses and how the decision was reached.
"I've written to the Council asking them to look at these concerns and explain the thinking behind the increase. I hope we can find a way forward that works for both the Council and the traders, and protects the future of our market."
The final decision on future arrangements will now rest with traders' choice between the two options put forward by the authority.