A MARKET that was at risk of closure has found a new location in Llandrindod Wells.
Traders at the spa town’s weekly open-air market were given just a week’s notice that they would no longer be able to use their long-term pitch at the Old Station Yard.
But Llandrindod mayor Councillor Jon Williams, who also represents the town’s east/west ward on Powys council, contacted the county council which agreed to now host the market at its High Street car park.
The first market at the new location was held last Friday, November 10.
Cllr Williams said: “It was run as a private market, just next to the Railway Station and the Aldi supermarket, it has now moved to the other side of the railway bridge.
“I received lots of calls and emails from people concerned at the loss of the market.
“Lots of local businesses, shops and restaurants use the market for fruit and veg and it would have been a huge blow if the market had not been able to find somewhere.
“The county council could see the value of keeping the market and has supported it and the car park wasn’t always full so there is a benefit to the county council and the traders. Some of the traders said to me they think it’s probably more suited to their needs so I think it will be a win, win for everybody.”
Powys teaching Health Board hopes to buy the former market site to use as a car parking area for Llandrindod hospital.
Cllr Williams said the traders were given their notice a fortnight ago when they went to set up and he assumed the landlord needed vacant possession ahead of a potential sale.
“The market is hugely important and so many residents were upset when they heard there was a possibility the market could close,” said Cllr Williams. “It has few local traders and some come from as far as the Midlands to support Llandrindod.
“The local people also came out to support the market and the traders said they saw lots of new faces as well.”
Councillor Liam Fitzpatrick, Powys council’s cabinet member for highways, said the authority will work with market traders and Llandrindod Town Council to consider the market’s long term location.
He said: “We recognise the importance of the Friday market to Llandrindod Wells and immediately offered an alternative venue to ensure it is business as usual. This new cabinet is happy to help in any way we can and this has been a classic example of how a county council and town council can work together for the benefit of our residents.
“We will continue to liaise closely with Llandrindod Wells Town Council and market traders over longer-term arrangements and are happy to help any community market at any time.”