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14
Oct
Knaresborough on brink of historic market deal
Knaresborough Town Council is set to be given the go-ahead next week to take over the running of the town's historic Wednesday market.
The proposals for the seven-century-old market are set to go before North Yorkshire Council’s executive next Tuesday (October 21).
If approved as expected, it would be the first 'double devolution' deal in the county.
Double devolution refers to a process whereby powers are transferred firstly from Whitehall to North Yorkshire Council, and then down the chain to town and parish councils across the county.
Town and parish councils were invited to submit double devolution expressions of interest in November 2022, and 12 places, including Knaresborough, were chosen to pilot the model.
The aim is to ensure that decisions are made as closely as possible to the people who will feel their impact, and that taxpayers’ money is being used as effectively as possible.
Knaresborough's plan
Knaresborough Market operates under a Royal Charter granted by King Edward II in 1310.
In its business case submitted to the authority, Knaresborough Town Council says it hopes to build on the historic significance of the charter market by making it a place that brings the community together.
It also wants to provide opportunities to link with the educational and voluntary sectors and give a platform to entrepreneurs.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transportation, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, whose responsibilities include charter markets, said:
This proposal, if accepted, would mark a significant milestone in the history of North Yorkshire Council and our commitment to bring democracy closer to the people.
By allowing the town council to take over the responsibility for this market, we are enabling decisions that will benefit stallholders and residents to be taken at a local level.
It is double devolution in action, and I hope the first of many similar ventures with town and parish councils across the county in the coming years.
As part of any deal, Knaresborough Town Council will look to:
- invest in an e-booking system for stall bookings
- continue the stall set-up service through an appointed contractor
- arrange the formation of a markets committee to report to Knaresborough Town Council.
The town council would also be responsible for all costs associated with operating the market and will in turn receive all the income, with no ongoing costs for the local authority.
The clerk to Knaresborough Town Council, Angela Pulman, said:
Knaresborough Town Council is hopeful for a favourable decision at the meeting of North Yorkshire Council’s executive regarding the transfer of the market.
The town council is eager to begin working closely with North Yorkshire Council throughout the transfer process and is committed to ensuring a smooth and successful transition.
Recognising the market’s significance to the town’s heritage and community identity, the town council is dedicated to preserving its longstanding role while striving to enhance its future.
The council aims to develop the market into one of the best in the region, ensuring it continues to serve as a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors alike.
Other double devo deals
Knaresborough's proposal to run its own market has not been the only double devolution bid tabled from our district. Ripon City Council has also been trying for three years to take over the running of Ripon Town Hall, the city's Market Place and car park, public toilets and the Wakeman’s House Café.
The city's new mayor, Cllr Barbara Brodigan, said recently that the city council expected to receive a double devolution update from North Yorkshire Council on November 10.
The other 10 places chosen to pilot double devolution schemes are Malton, Northallerton and Thirsk, Richmond, Filey, Skipton, Whitby, Settle, Stokesley, Little Ouseburn and Selby.
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