Market bid to halt stalling trade

A struggling market is to move to a new site in a bid to boost trade.

The number of stalls at the Sleaford market on Market Place on Fridays and Saturdays has fallen in the past year.

North Kesteven District Council is now launching a three-month pilot by moving it to the more central Money's Yard.

Council income from the market has dropped by 22% in the last three years. Members said traders had been consulted over the changes.

Specialist markets

The weekly Monday market will remain at its current site.

Councillor Dennis Roberts said: "The market does have problems and we hope that by trying something new, we can bring it new life and a brisker trade.

"The traders themselves suggested moving sites for a trial period and they continue to be actively involved in all discussions on the different ideas being looked at.

"We are searching for more specialist markets. The farmers market continues to be a real success and we hope we can duplicate that success by bringing in new ideas, new themes and new products."