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Proposed funding boost for Calderdale markets

Borough market entrance

An £80,000 fund to improve and maintain stalls, cleaning equipment and recycling in Calderdale markets has been recommended by the Council’s Economy and Investment Panel.  

The funding would allow the Council to modernise its market service, reduce running costs and ensure that people can enjoy the much-loved local markets for years to come.  

Repair work would bring the stalls right up to date, make them safer and ensure they can continue to be used for Calderdale’s regular markets and special events and festivals. They are currently in a poor condition after many years of use and are becoming unsafe and unfit for purpose.  

Replacing the market service’s cleaning equipment would lead to a more efficient approach to maintaining the magnificent market halls. Providing a safe and clean environment is essential, and at the moment staff do much of the cleaning manually as the equipment is out of date. Investment into new machines would reduce cleaning costs in the long run.  

The markets’ recycling rates could be boosted significantly with the purchase of new recycling equipment. The majority of market waste currently goes into old compaction units which are inefficient and mean that waste is sent to landfill. New equipment and bins would benefit the environment, save money and increase public awareness of recycling in our well-used markets. 

Cllr Barry Collins, Chair of Calderdale Council’s Economy and Investment Panel, said: 

“Markets are a vital part of our towns and villages – they are the lifeblood for hundreds of businesspeople, they create local employment, bring in visitors and provide high-quality, low-cost products. Residents and traders have told us we need to invest more in our markets, and we believe that focusing funds on repairs and new equipment is an important way to keep our markets vibrant for generations to come.” 

The Council’s award-winning markets service runs two market halls, four open markets, two car boot sales and two periodic local produce markets. It also works with community groups to deliver market-based events and festivals throughout the year, such as Totally Locally markets in Sowerby Bridge and Halifax Food Festival.  

The Council’s continued commitment to markets is also demonstrated by its recent £500,000 investment into the fabric of Halifax Borough Market and the roof of Todmorden indoor market.  

The Economy and Investment Panel’s recommendations will be discussed by Calderdale Council’s Cabinet in the coming weeks.

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