Sedbergh typifies the charm of South Lakeland market
towns
Photo: sedbergh.org.uk

SOUTH Lakeland District Council is set to forge ahead with a drive to keep the area's distinctive market towns alive for the benefit of residents and visitors.

It follows the conclusion of a long-awaited review of the authority's Markets Service in popular destinations such as Sedbergh - which lies with the Yorkshire Dales National Park - and Kirkby Lonsdale which lies just outside the boundary.

Other market towns within the district include Kendal, Ulverston, Ambleside, and Milnthorpe.

The review, carried out by SLDC's Community Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, has underlined the importance of regular markets to the vibrancy of towns and villages and their ability to attract shoppers and visitors to the district's high streets.

The Council oversees the administration of the markets and its review and consultation has concluded that many of South Lakeland's towns owe their heritage to being market towns and that markets add character and provide a focal point for residents and an attraction for visitors.

Local concerns over the future of market towns mirror those raised earlier this year by an influential group of MP's. A report entitled 'High Street Britain 2015' by the All-Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group, warned that small shops and markets are "disappearing rapidly," and any loss could damage the UK "socially, economically and environmentally."

A number of recommendations are being put forward by the committee, including:

• Involving local traders, residents, voluntary groups and shopping centre managers in discussions about the markets future
• Developing a clear strategy for the way ahead
• Appointing a dedicated Markets Officer to spearhead the service
• Monitoring the financial performance of the markets service

Councillor Vivienne Rees, Chair of the committee, said: "This much-needed review has confirmed that South Lakeland should be justifiably proud of its markets which are integral to the area's character and well-loved by visitors and residents.

"These recommendations demonstrate the committee's view that the council should endeavour to do all it can to keep the area's traditional markets alive in today's fast-moving and ever-changing high street."