Knaresborough Chamber of Trade has begun talks with Harrogate Borough Council to take over the management of the town’s market.
Relations between the chamber and council have deteriorated in the wake of disputes over issues such as rent increases, upholding the town’s traditions and the management of the market over lockdown.
The council has always defended itself, saying it works “tirelessly” to support the traders and promote the market to residents and visitors.
But the chamber said it no longer feels the council is running the market in the town’s best interest and matters have reached the “final straw”.
It now hopes to take over the market’s day-to-day running in conjunction with the Knaresborough Town Council.
‘We need to take a stand’
Chamber representatives told the Stray Ferret discussions were in the early stages and no official proposal has been sent to Harrogate Borough Council yet.
Steve Teggin president of Knaresborough Chamber, said:
“It is being run in a style that could lead to its eventual demise, which we don’t want. The people of Knaresborough won’t want that either.
“We need to take a stand, we’ve had enough. It could be destroyed if we don’t look at it properly. We want to take it over.”
Councillor Andrew Paraskos, Harrogate’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, who is responsible for the management of markets, said:
“Running a weekly market in both Knaresborough and Ripon is not an easy task and requires a lot of council resources to make it happen safely each week. This is on top of the pitch bookings, licences, publicity, waste removal, etc. that is also required.
“But if Knaresborough Chamber of Trade believe they can run the market more successfully, then I welcome them getting in touch.”
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A spokesperson for Harrogate Borough Council, said:
“To suggest we are running Knaresborough market into the ground is simply not true whatsoever.
“Our vibrant and popular historic markets in both Knaresborough and Ripon are an important and integral part of our district.
“That’s why we have worked tirelessly to make sure they can operate safely every week, even during lockdown and will continue to promote them on our social media channels regularly.”
