Blyth market tents to be scrapped during winter
Feb 23 2009 by Dave Black, The Journal
NEW stalls for a revamped Northumberland market are set to be mothballed during the winter – because they cannot be used when the weather is too windy or cold.
The modern, lightweight stalls – branded ‘four legged tents’ by unhappy traders – were brought in at a cost of £47,500 four months ago as part of a £3m makeover for Blyth Market Place.
But it was quickly realised they were not robust enough to be used safely in even moderately strong winds, leading to the market being cancelled on a number of occasions when gusts were forecast.
It has also emerged the stalls are unsuitable in very cold weather, because of water dripping onto stallholders’ stock from the canopies when overnight frost led to ice thaws in the mornings.
They have been described as ‘not fit for purpose’ by traders and now Blyth Valley Council bosses look set to bite the bullet and accept it is pointless trying to rely on them during the worst of the winter weather.
Later this week borough councillors are expected to agree to stop providing the stalls from November 1 to the end of February each year, during which time Blyth traders will bring and erect their own, more robust stalls.
