Helping to make the Ross-on-Wye weekly market to thrive

A weekly market in a town is just as important as local shops. In Ross-on-Wye we are lucky to have wonderful local businesses and market traders.

Ross-on-Wye Town Council is looking to grow its weekly market, which runs every Thursday and Saturday, and to encourage more traders to take part and increase footfall. As well as investing funds into the market, the Council has also formed a ‘Markets Working Group’ to help build the market further and secure its future.

From July the Council is launching a Summer Offer for traders who wish to attend the market, this is open to both existing and new traders. For every 3 market dates that are booked and attended during July to September, traders will receive one date free.

Bev Pope, the lead councillor for the Markets Working Group said: “Most of us like a good market and how could anyone not love Ross on Wye’s market with the backdrop of the beautiful red sandstone market house? But markets all over the country are having a tough time economically and Ross is no exception.

“The Town Council (both paid officers and councillors) is determined that the market, which has been with us since the 12th Century, should thrive well into the 21st Century. We are hoping to try a few things to make the market more successful and if you have any ideas please email us with them.
“From July to September we are launching a new Summer Offer for traders: if you have a pitch for any 3 markets in this period, the 4th one will be free. And it doesn’t matter whether you do a stall in July and then don’t come back until September, you will still get a 4th visit to our market free of charge. But we would rather you became a regular Ross Marketeer! This offer is for existing and new traders alike.

“The other part of the equation is getting more people to use the market. So please come and buy your fresh fish, clothes, flowers and cakes and have a look at some of the fabulous and creative marketeers who will be joining the market especially from early July. And if you are a local shop owner be assured that a better market won’t make things worse for you – there is a lot of reputable research which shows that a busy market means a busy market town. Everybody will benefit if we can add to the lovely stall holders we already have as our regulars.

“We look forward to seeing you at any of the Thursday or Saturday markets at the Market House in Ross.”

Pitches need to be booked in advance via email at markets@rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk Further information can be found here: http://www.rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk/market/