By Kerry Ashdown - Local Democracy Reporter

Labour politicians in the Moorlands are considering calling in plans for the Trestle Market in Leek.

The district council's Conservative cabinet backed the proposals put forward by council leader Sybil Ralphs at the end of March.

She says the aim is to increase footfall and use of the space, by offering something more akin to continental markets and inspired by similar initiatives in Macclesfield, Nantwich and Shrewsbury.

The Trestle Market is situated at the rear of Leek's Market Hall building, and can be accessed by going through the Butter Market or externally from the car park at the back.

Cllr Sybil Ralphs said: "I feel I need to justify why I'm so adamant about the different stages of this work, and why it should be done.

"The easy thing of course, is not to do anything. The easy thing is to just leave it as it is."

Cllr Ralphs said the market needed to adapt to changes in demand – which have been accelerated during the course of the pandemic – but that people still enjoy visiting town centres.

She said: "There are still people who like to come out and have an interesting and enjoyable shopping experience by looking around the shops, looking around the market, having a meal or just light refreshments and enjoying their day out – and this is what we intend to do."

She cited the popularity of continental markets in Europe, and said it was her aim to bring a similar experience to Leek.

"We're in the year 2022. People's expectations sometimes are a little bit unrealistic, but people want to update – they want something different so that they can enjoy spending the money but it has to be something that encourages them and an enjoyable day out," she said.

Cllr Ralphs added that she'd received criticism for spending money on consultants when drawing up the plans, but that she felt this was worth every penny.

However the authority's Labour group is now mulling over whether or not to call in the plans.

Cllr Charlotte Atkins said the scheme amounts to civic vandalism.

She told the LRDS: "We want to keep the space as flexible as possible.

"So, the issue is how we can ensure that the Trestle Market remains a valued and long-standing community resource.

"It's been used for everything from dog shows to carnivals, to music venues, to bars and everything – and indeed the Scooterfest which brings hundreds of people into town.

"That's effectively been cancelled by the leader of the council saying that they can't use it."

She added: "We're well stocked with food outlets of various sorts, including some new ones that have opened up.

"We don't believe that a whole load of big stalls would work and it will also undermine the flexibility of the space."

She said her group hasn't yet decided whether or not to call the plans in, adding that they didn't feel there had been sufficient consultation about the proposals.

Meanwhile, Cllr Ralphs maintained the venue can't be used for large-scale events, due to restrictions on its capacity.

She said: "At the end of the day that Trestle Market only holds 50-60 people because of the fire regulations. It's not suitable for an entertainment venue.

"We've got the fantastic Foxlowe building that is very, very popular and could be well-used for any purpose."

She added: "The Foxlowe now, under the management of Chris Thomson, is a marvellous venue.

"We're working closely with Chris and his team of trustees to support them."

She said her plans mean things like carol singing – which took place during the Christmas Twilight Market – can still go ahead, but the space is not going to be used as a full time entertainment venue.

For instance, it wouldn't be possible for the Trestle Market to host events like the Ball Haye Green carnival as a back-up if outdoor activities are rained off.

Cllr Ralphs said a decision to call-in the plans could potentially delay work by two months.

She said: "We're spending a lot of money refurbishing the Trestle Market itself and that has to be the priority. It is a market hall."

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