Market may be forced to quit Helston's Guildhall over storage problem (From Falmouth Packet)

Market may be forced to quit Helston's Guildhall over storage problem

7:00am Thursday 25th October 2012 in News

Stallholders recently celebrated 50 years at the same venue

Helston Country Market could be forced to look for a new home after 50 years at the Guildhall unless an agreement over storage can be reached.

This was the message from market manager Ros Smith, who appealed to the town council for permission to install a cupboard in the basement of the Guildhall.

The weekly market had already removed a large cupboard, at the council's request, due to the amount of space it took up, but instead wanted to replace it with a smaller metal version, in which to store around six heavy display stands that were needed every Friday morning.

Mrs Smith said while the elderly members had shared the majority of equipment between them at their homes, they could not physically lift or carry the “essential” stands.

A previous request was turned down by the council’s amenities committee, which said storage space was needed for council documents.

However, Mrs Smith told councillors when they met last Thursday: “Unlike the other hall users the market has been using this hall for 50 years and is therefore an established, historical part of this town. We own the majority of the tables in the hall, which we have allowed free use of.

“The market is continuing to grow. To operate without some of its equipment would prove detrimental. “We would have to seriously consider looking to the other community centres in the town to keep the market trading, which would result in the Guildhall losing not only the tables but the income generated from our rent.”

Mayor Jonathan Radford-Gaby said that while “not unsympathetic” to the market's situation, it would be “inappropriate” to hold a debate at that meeting, as it was a matter for the amenities committee.

When asked by Mrs Smith how soon the market could expect a decision, saying it was an “urgent matter”, Mr Radford-Gaby said currently the wait for an answer would be four months but this could be brought forward if six members of the council requested it.

“I'm sure the information we have received will be taken forward,” he added.

Mrs Smith said she believed the council was being “a little inflexible” to make the market wait.