Traders cheer 'revival' of Barnard Castle's weekly market

TRADERS at Barnard Castle's weekly charter market are mostly pleased with the way it is run – a year after it changed hands.

It was run by Durham County Council but Barnard Castle Town Council took charge last year and later made changes to the stall rents after a review.

The county council had run it at a loss of about £1,000 a year and decide to hand over responsibility as a way of reviving the market, which was granted a Royal charter by King James I in 1603 . At the time, there were concerns for its future. However, the town council now expects to make a £5,000 surplus and there is now a waiting list for stallholders.

Deputy town clerk Jane Woodward said: “We are very pleased with how it is operating. We have got approximately 24 traders, the majority of those are regulars, others are on spec or they come a couple of times. We do have a waiting list and we currently have six on it.”

Among those who are waiting for a spot on the market are a coffee merchant, a socks and underwear seller, a cupcake baker and an accessories trader. Last week the market was full,a although it can be badly affected by the weather. Most traders, however, say the summer has been good for them. They also approve of the way the market is being run.

Former soldier Peter Ryan only recently started selling his homemade planters, benches and coat holders at the market and attends once every few weeks. He said: “I pay £10 which is excellent – it is more money at a carboot sale. It is better [than a carboot sale] because people come back and you get repeat orders. It is run really well.”

Joe Heaton, who sells shoes and sheepskin products, has been on the market for seven years and also attends markets at Hawes and Reeth.

He said he is pleased with his turnover.

Mark Lumley, who has been a regular at Barnard Castle for the past 32 years and ran his first stall there in 1985 praised the new management.

He said: “In fact I think it is run a lot better. It goes like clockwork and they are great. We know what we are doing and they let us get on with it. It is miles better. You’ve got one of everything, that is what is good about this market.

Mr Lumley, who sells clothing, travels from Leeds each week and also attends markets at Wetherby, Pocklington and Masham among others.

Susan Vaughan who sells plants from her West Layton Nursery stall said the variety of the stalls in Barnard Castle is a major factor in its success.

Ms Woodward said the anticipated £5,000 would be spent on maintenance, such as buying new barriers, and on employing a contractor to put up and take down the barriers. The remainder of the cash goes into the town council's general reserves, she said.