A timeline of Guardian Leeds posts
Created by GuardianLeeds on Jan 25, 2011
Last updated: 01/25/11 at 02:36 AM
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Online questionnaire launched as part of public consultation todayLeeds residents can have their say about the future of Leeds Kirkgate Market.Leeds council today launched a questionnaire which asks people their views on the future direction of the market. The questionnaire will form part of a strategy to transform the market's fortunes.Traders have been campaigning for more investment and promotion, a proper long-term strategy, lower rents and more of a say in the running of the facilities, which are suffering from a reduced number of visitors.A council spokeswoman said the consultation – 'Towards a Strategy for Kirkgate Market' - has been put in place to give the public and traders the chance to voice their views on what needs to be done at Kirkgate to make it one of the best markets in the UK.The consultation will look at whether the council is best placed to manage a business in the dynamic retail sector, and should all or some of the market profits be ringfenced and reinvested back into the market among other key ideas. The consultation will run until 7 February.To access the survey log on to the Leeds Markets website.Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council executive board member with responsibility for development and regeneration said:"It is crucial that we listen to what the general public, tenants, elected members and customers have to say, so that the council can better understand what people expect from Kirkgate Market."It is important that we revive people's interest in the market and get people back to shopping locally."You can access the survey here or by picking up a copy at any of Kirkgate Market's 12 cafés, or at the markets information centre and sending it back to the freepost address provided.What do you think to the consultation? Have your say below.Kirkgate MarketJohn Baronguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/2011/jan/20/kirkgate-market-questionnaire-launched
* Should traders have more say in city centre showpiece? Shoudl council step back? Or should a private company take over?* Different options for future of the market are being debated - what do you think?John Baron
http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/poll/2011/jan/16/kirkgate-market
* Watchdog asks should market be run by traders, council or could private company take over?* Traders call for profits to be reinvested in rundown facilities as councillors hear of £2.4m repair backlogDifferent business models for running beleaguered Leeds Kirkgate Market should be examined - including the council 'stepping back' from managing the facilities on a day-to-day basis.That was just one of the suggestions to come from the second day of an independent scrutiny watchdog inquiry into the future of the city centre landmark building.Councillor John Procter, chairman of the council's city development scrutiny board, said that the market had suffered from underinvestment for many years and that the current way the market was run 'wasn't working'. He said:"I would hope the council will always have responsibility as landlord, but I believe we're at the stage where traders need to have more of a say. Could traders form a board to run the market? The city council could have a seat on the board but step back a little and not run the facilities on a day to day basis."It is clear to us that the current model is perhaps not working as well as it could. Perhaps traders could reflect upon this. I think it's an important debate to have."Roundhay Conservative councillor Matthew Lobley added:"We have to make sure that if the council doesn't run it on a day-to-day basis that decisions are made fairly. However, a trader-led organisation with the council stepping out of the way as much as possible and sorting repairs and maintenance, is certainly possible."A report considered by councillors said that as part of a recently launched public consultation into the future of the market, the question of whether the market currently has the right business model and structure should be considered.The report - which can be found in full here - suggests wider discussion on a number of possible models, including having Kirkgate being privately run by a company, being run privately in partnership with the council, being run by traders, being run by a trust with traders as trustees or being managed by the council at 'arms-length'.The consultation is a precurser to the council compiling a strategy into the future of the market.Hyde Park and Woodhouse Labour councillor Javaid Akhtar said he was uncomfortable with anything that suggested 'privatising' the market. He added:"At the end of the day it is up to local leadership to sort the problems out, we cannot duck and hide from it as local representatives. The council and traders need to work together."The issue will be discussed in more detail on the third day of the scrutiny board inquiry next month.Calls to 'ringfence' surplus profitsAt the meeting, traders called for the council to ringfence the seven-figure annual profits made from the market and reinvest them into facilities which have a £2.4 million repair backlog and would cost millions more to refurbish.Jo Williams, from the National Federation of Market Traders, said that profits had gone into big city centre developments and had been syphoned off to support other 'essential' council services. She added:"It's like running a marathon with one arm tied behind your back. The condition of the building is in crisis. When did the livelihoods of more than 400 traders not become essential?"Acting director of city development Martin Farrington said that there needed to be a healthy debate about how the council uses the profits from the market - but warned there were consequences for the council's budget in difficult financial times.Williams said there needed to be a wider variety of businesses in the market and that all traders should have a 'level playing field' pointing to reduced rents for start-up businesses who are competing with established businesses paying full rent.She also said council officers needed to be less 'obstructive' and more helpful to traders and that the market should become a tourist destination again but that wouldn't happen until it 'got its house in order'.A report from the first day of the market scrutiny inquiry can be found here.Recommendations from the crutiny board inquiry will be presented to the council's powerful executive board at their meeting in March.What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.Kirkgate MarketLeeds city councilJohn Baronguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/2011/jan/11/kirkgate-market-leeds-city-council
Questionnaire will ask for opinions as top councillors warn that market will have to change to survive, guest blogger Sarah Carmody reportsDiscussions over the future of Leeds Kirkgate Market continued in earnest during the council's executive board meeting.Senior councillors gave the green light to a public consultaton, which will include a questionnaire aiming to find ways of establishing the market as a tourist destination and potentially repositioning the market as a more upmarket venue for traders.Yesterday's discussion by executive board members is running alongside a watchdog scrutiny board inquiry which is looking at the future of the market following concerns by traders and shoppers that the historic facility was being neglected by the council and calls for lower rents and more marketing.Questionnaires will be handed to market customers asking what would encourage them to visit on a more frequent basis and Councillor Judith Blake insisted that there are many, as yet, untapped resources in terms of market visitors. In one example, she highlighted how the huge student population of Leeds appear to be unaware of Kirkgate Market.Conservative leader Councillor Andrew Carter said:"This is a really really difficult issue to resolve. People's patterns of shopping have changed - how we can reposition the market to reflect this is the £64,000 question, but we have to address these issues."The issue of the market being in decline has gone on since the fire in 1976 and has just got worse and worse. It is going to mean some difficult decisions if the market is going to survive. It is good we are going to have a debate on this as it is long overdue."Deputy leader of the council Richard Lewis said that the aim of this particular consultation was to analyse the problems, rather than find the solutions.Liberal Democrat Leader Stuart Golton said that he recently attended a city centre conference in order to discuss the workings of the city. He said:"In attendance was also Sir Richard Needham, former Northern Ireland Minister and former Minister of State for Trade. Sir Richard said: 'A city has to appreciate its diamonds.' "I believe Kirkgate Market is one of Leeds' diamonds, a rough diamond admittedly, but everyone loves the way it is and this is the reason why it is so difficult to attempt to change it."Kikgate Market provides employment for an estimated 2,000 people contains over 400 businesses which offer a range of goods and services to a diverse group of customers.A report considered by councillors said urgent maintenance works are required on the market and longer term maintenance works - within the next five years - will need to be completed. The total cost of all of these works will be an estimated £2.4m of which £0.6 is needed immediately for the urgent maintenance.What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.Guest blogger Sarah Carmody is a journalism student at Trinity University College in Horsforth.Kirkgate Marketguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/2010/dec/16/leeds-kirkgate-market-public-consultation
* Will Eastgate development be mixed blessing for market?* Footfall at the market down 14%* Report says 'market must adapt and change to secure its long-term future'The planned new £650 million Eastgate development could be a mixed blessing for Leeds Kirkgate Market, a city watchdog was warned today.Councillors sitting on the watchdog city development scrutiny board met to hear the first day of evidence in an ongoing inquiry into the future of Kirkgate Market - and were told that the facility was at a crossroads in terms of its future success.They were told that footfall at the market was down 14% compared to the same period last year, reflecting a historic decline in market visitors across the country - and were invited by concerned traders to become stallholders for the day to experience first-hand some of the difficulties they were facing.The Civic Hall meeting, which was attended by a number of traders and supporters, was told how the market must adapt and change to secure its long-term future.John Perriton, of the National Market Traders' Federation said:"The Eastgate Quarter development looks like an easy bedmate for the market, but it could be a threat to the future of the market as it's being built on an existing car park which provides a lot of custom for the market. "Parking in the general area of the market doesn't help."Fighmonger Liz Laughton said the market needed its own markets department on Leeds council. She also pointed to Eastgate Quarter and the potential loss of parking spaces utside the market, the road chaos during construction and issues with deliveries as areas of concern. She added:"We need a short, medium and long-term strategy and traders need to get more input. We need to work cohesively with one another."Fellow trader Michelle Hocken said that much could be learned from Barcelona's market, where traders were charged only 420 euros per quarter and operated in a daily rota between 8am-8pm.Friends' group concernsMegan Waugh, of the Friends of Kirkgate Market group, said there had been no long-term strategy for the market since 1996 and said the biggest threat to the market wasn't from the internet or supermarkets, but came from the council not taking it seriously.Sara Gonzalez, also from the Friends group, highlighted the health benefits of people having access to fresh food and called on some profits made by the council from the market to be ringfenced and reinvested in the facility. She also said the market offered great social and economic benefits and welcomed all sectors of society and ethnic minorities.Scrutiny board chairman councillor John Procter said that a succession of council administrations 'had failed to acquit themselves very well' with the running of Kirkgate."We have all played a part in not making the market a better place than it is and not helping people with their businesses. I take this seriously and hope this scrutiny board is useful in moving the issue forward."Board of trustees ideaCouncillor Bernard Atha called for a board of trustees to have an overview of the market. Councillor Javaid Akhtar criticised what he felt was help for new businesses but little help for existing long-term traders, and councillor Mohammed Rafique criticised parking charges around the market.Councillor Matthew Lobley said he found Kirkgate Market 'depressing' because of the empty stalls and suggested blocking off areas which weren't in use. He also criticised 'archaic' trading practices which mean customers can't pay by credit or debit cards.Councillor Steve Smith said that the market needed to offer something new and said:"I wonder if the market is too large - could we redesignate some of the site to car parking?"Councillor Gerry Harper flagged up New York's markets as examples to follow - he said they had been boosted by investment, looked immaculate and were surrounded by expensive shops. He said: "Eastgate needs to be the relaunch and springboard for the market." Other comments included the need for cheaper rents, greater skills for traders and alternative management models.Changing retail environmentChief Economic Development Officer Paul Stephens said that the market faced a changing retail environment, shopping habits and customer needs. He said there was also competition from supermarkets. Stephens, who pointed out that specialist markets had seen growth, added:"We are at a crossroads - if we fail to address the issues then we'll find that we won't have the best market in the UK. It's critical that we get the customer service, the shopping environment and the products right."Head of city centre and markets at Leeds council Cath Follin said that there were 60 vacant stalls, a figure which was 'steady' compared to last year. She said there had been a number of inititatives aimed at boosting footfall including increased branding, better promotion - incuding a new website - the introduction of a Wednesday Asian market, involving the market in events such as Leeds Loves Food, and school party visits.Follin said £13.4 million had been invested in the market since the early 1990s. She added:"I would be the first to say that more needs to be done. The 1976 and 1981 buildings were erected as temporary ones with a 15 to 21-year life expectancy. The roofs and drains of those buildings are struggling to keep up with all the snow and ice and this presents a real challenge to the council moving forward."Follin said she felt both the forthcoming Eastgate Quarter scheme at one side and the Kirkgate Quarter heritage scheme to the other would help anchor the market - but warned of significant disruption in the short term.She said the market would this year make £2.1 million profit for the council, which would be reinvested in local services. The profit is down from £2.3 million last year.The scrutiny committee report says that last year there were 10 million visitors to Kirkgate Market, a decline from 12 million 10 years ago.Research by students at Leeds Metropolitan University revealed that the majority of Kirkgate Market shoppers were over 50 and that one third of people they questioned were not aware of the market, nor even its location.Officers will report back to the next meeting of the scrutiny board with their reaction to some of the points rasied at the meeting.What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.Kirkgate MarketLeeds city councilJohn Baronguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/2010/dec/07/kirkgate-market-leeds-city-council
* Councillor relinquishes role after six months * Mark Dobson: "I have done what I set out to do."A senior councillor tasked with ensuring that beleaguered Kirkgate Market thrives and prospers in a difficult economic climate has left his role as markets champion after six months.Labour councillor Mark Dobson took on the role in June after the Leeds city centre market became something of a political hot potato. Struggling traders have been campaigning since the turn of the year for a greater say in the running of the market, a rent reduction, improvements to the market environment and greater promotion. A petition by the Friends of Kirkgate Market group currently has several thousand signatures.Dobson told Guardian Leeds this afternoon:"Upon taking up the post as markets champion earlier in the year, I was tasked by the leader of council to see through certain key objectives."These included the release of capital to ensure certain enhancements could be made to the market over the next two years."These included the delivery of a rent review, which is being undertaken by the Valuation Office Agency; to ensure the smooth running of the small grant scheme working with the Chamber of Commerce, which has been a huge success; deliver a 50% reduction in yellow line charges at Kirkgate Market and above all ensure that the markets manager post was released and filled."Now these objectives have all been achieved, and I have done what I set out to do effectively, I believe, and have every confidence that the new markets manager, who takes up her position in January, has all the necessary skills to drive the business forward, work with the traders productively and become another champion for the markets in Leeds."No direct replacementIt's understood that Dobson's position won't be directly replaced by another councillor, but that Sue Burgess, the new market manager, will 'champion' Kirkgate. Council officials say that the market already falls under the remit of councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds council's executive board member for development.Lewis said that the new year will bring a new start - and a coherent strategy for the future of Kirkgate. He added:"Councillor Mark Dobson has put a lot of hard work into Leeds markets over the past few months and has achieved many of the objectives he set out to complete."The new year is going to be a new start for markets in Leeds, especially Kirkgate, as a new markets manager starts, and we look to put a new strategy in place."A paper is going to executive board setting out the way forward, which will include further consultation with all stakeholders."Kirkgate market is not going to change overnight, and it will take more than just one person to make it work – but it is something the council is committed to."What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.Kirkgate MarketJohn Baronguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/2010/dec/02/councillor-stands-down-as-leeds-kirkgate-market-champion
* New boss speaks on challenges facing markets - and speaks in depth on issues facing Kirkgate and the sometimes abrasive relationship between management and traders * Why rent reductions for traders 'are not the answer'New Leeds markets supremo Sue Burgess doesn't start her job until the New Year, but she's already drawing her 'to do' list up in a bid to turn around the fortunes of Kirkgate Market.Burgess - an experienced markets manager who previously managed both the markets and the town centre in Stockton on Tees - takes up the mantle as the city's main market, Kirkgate, stands at what is widely regarded as a crossroads.The facilities have suffered from years of under-investment by the council and, over the past 12 months, worried traders have been campaigning for lower rents, better promotion, more of a say in running the market and a clear strategy for the future.And, as reported last month, the council's watchdog city development scrutiny board is to hold an inquiry into the future of the market.Easing traders' animosityBurgess says she will deliver a proper promotional strategy for the market next year, be truly inclusive of traders and put together a long-term strategy. But substantial investment in the facilities will prove very difficult to secure due to the downturn - and she doesn't see a permanent rent reduction as the answer to traders' woes.Top of Burgess' agenda is easing some of the deep-rooted animosity some Kirkgate traders have to market management and a move towards a partnership approach. She gave traders a 'we're all in this together' message. Burgess said:"I fully admit we need to establish better and more frequent dialogue between traders and staff. There are a number of ways we can do that, for instance an idea could be to establish independent traders' associations for different sections of the market, such as the butchers' row. It depends how the traders would like to organise themselves - but the current monthly meeting with only four or five traders isn't really enough. "We need a much more open dialogue and work on our relationship so we can get things done for the good of the market - that's so important, otherwise, we'lll never achieve anything."Rent reductionsOn the thorny subject of lower rents - which is currently being reviewed by the council - Burgess says a permanent rent reduction isn't the answer. She said:"We're having a rent review at the moment, and I don't know what the outcome of that will be. My personal opinion is that simply reducing rent permanently is not the answer - we need to make Kirkgate Market worth the rent. "That means making sure it's more vibrant, increasing the customer base and varying what it offers and ensuring that traders are in a well-maintained, safe and ordered environment where traders feel they can approach us and talk to us. I want a positive environment."Burgess said rent reductions worked when she was in Stockton after traders had lost much of their trade due to the impact of work on redveloping a nearby shopping centre.Long-term futureOn the long-term future, she said the council is facing £150 million worth of reduction over the next four years and 'doesn't have millions to spend' on the market or any other building. But Burgess acknowledged that some of the more modern parts of the market building needed major refurbishment work.She added:"I don't know what the answer is but we need to start that work now so we are in a place where we can make informed judgments about the future. "I can reassure the conspiracy theorists we're not going to close, the market will never close as long as the council has power over it. There are no plans to substantially reduce its size or aything like that."Burgess says the experience of people shopping in markets was something we're losing as a nation. She said there was a growing acceptance of farmers' markets, but the younger generation hadn't grown up with it, and were not used to the interaction with the traders.Markets 'ambassador' role, gentrification and Eastgate QuartersBurgess sees herself as an ambassador for the market, both in the council and externally in the city and farther afield. She gives the example of working closely with universities to attract students to the market and with Hammersons, the developers of the neighbouring Eastgate Quarters development. She added:"We need to work with them while building's going on to ensure the whole area's not perceived as just a building site and that there's minimal impact on the market. We also need a symbiotic relationship and bounce off one another when Eastgate is finally up and running."Although the area of Eastgate Quarters proposed to be built next to the market will essentially feature quality - and more pricey - shops such as John Lewis, Burgess says it won't signify a gentrification or change of tack for Kirkgate Market. She added:"Eastgate is a big opportunity for us. Part of the bigger picture is that we need to change the perception of Kirkgate Market. We need to look at what we already offer but target it more effectively to different customer groups."There are different parts of our society who could find things to interest them in Kirkgate Market - the foodie culture, for instance, we have a butchers' row selling quality meat, a wonderful fish row and traders selling a terrific array of ethnic foods."You can buy one or a bit of something, whereas in the supermarket you have to buy a pack of 10, so there's a big customer base for the market to attract. The underlying issue is that some people think what you get in the market is of lower quality - cheap and cheerful - and it often isn't the case. There's a huge range of good-quality services and customer care."We need to know what the barriers are that perhaps stop some people from coming. We need to be looking at widening our customer base, but that doesn't mean gentrification."To demonstrate her point, she says a ban on traders' shouting and hawking for trade would be lifted. She added: "I was in there the other day and it was so quiet - that's not the character of a market, traders should be able to hawk."Markets in outer areasBurgess stressed that her remit wasn't just Kirkgate Market. She will also have responsibility for the markets in Kirkgate, Yeadon, Pudsey and Otley and all the associated farmers' markets across the city. She said:"The markets in outer areas are just as important to those communities in terms of variety and vitality as Kirkgate is to the whole city. They will all receive my attention and I'm as determined to boost trade and prosperity there as I am at Kirkgate."Burgess will move across from her current role at Leeds Council where she manages the support to the leader of the council, Keith Wakefield. Traders have been campaigning for the re-instatement of a dedicated markets manager for some time. What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.Kirkgate Marketguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/2010/nov/11/kirkgate-market-new-manager-sue-burgess
Sue Burgess given remit of turning around fortunes of Kirkgate MarketA new Leeds markets manager - whose main job wil be to turn around the fortunes of ailing Kirkgate Market - has been appointed.Sue Burgess will move across from her current role at Leeds Council where she manages the support to the leader of the council, Keith Wakefield.In a press release to be released later this afternoon by the council, Burgess is described as an experienced markets manager as she managed both the markets and the town centre in Stockton on Tees.Her career in local government started in 1998 when she graduated with a first class honours degree in place management and marketing from the University of Leeds.She has a track record of working in economic development and regeneration across North and West Yorkshire and the North East, managing complex redevelopments and funding programmes, and supporting small businesses. Burgess will take up her role as markets manager in the New Year and says she has a real desire to challenge people's perception of Kirkgate Market, and is looking forward to taking on this new role:"Kirkgate, Yeadon, Pudsey and Otley markets are wonderful places, and real treasure troves."Kirkgate especially is a real historic gem in the city. It is at the heart of the city centre and offers a bustling atmosphere. It is important for the people of Leeds to understand what a great place it is, and how much variety and quality it has to offer. "The council fully support the markets in Leeds, as can be seen with the developments in the past 12 months. We will continue to work with traders to identify ways in which the market can be improved and bring new businesses into the market."Leeds markets champion, Councillor Mark Dobson said:"It is fantastic that we have now appointed to the post of markets manager."Sue has a fantastic background in working with markets, and really understands the issues. I am sure she is going to do an excellent job with the Leeds markets."The appointment of Burgess was prematurely made public over social networking site Twitter this morning when @Leedsmarkets tweeted:"Is very excited as we have a new markets manager, Sue Burgess!!"It's understood traders were informed of the appointment last week.Traders have been campaigning for the re-instatement of a dedicated markets manager for some time. A spokesperson for the traders or the Friends of Kirkgate Market group wasn't immediately available for comment this afternoon.Burgess faces a tough assignment - Kirkgate traders are campaigning for lower rents, greater promotion and more of a say in the running of the market after what they claim has been years of under-investment in the facility by the council. In the past six months, there have been a number of new initiatives from the council, including the opening of Jamie's Ministry of Food, which was introduced in the summer, and also the Asian Bazaar which opens every Wednesday in the open market. Recently a new website has been launched, which features trader profiles, news and events for all the markets across Leeds.What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.Kirkgate MarketJohn Baronguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/2010/nov/09/new-manager-announced-for-leeds-markets
Budding entrepreneurs in Leeds get helping hand during troubled economic timesA new "Bizaar Quarter" has been launched at Leeds Kirkgate Market to help budding entrepreneurs in the city.Bizaar Quarter is a new area devoted to supporting new stallholders and entrepreneurs and has celebrated its opening with a day of demonstrations, workshops and an official ribbon cutting by MP for Leeds Central, Hilary Benn.The 'Quarter' will include eight new stalls, funded by Sharing the Success, where traders can test out their ideas on the buying public for a 12-week period; ideal for people who have a product or business idea ready to take to market but do not yet have the confidence or experience to commit to a full market stall. The stallholders will be given reduced rents and continued guidance and mentoring from Sharing the Success throughout their three-month occupancy. The Bizaar Quarter is the natural evolution of How Bizaar, which launched in August 2009 and is managed by a sales co-ordinator employed by Urban Biz, the Chapeltown social enterprise. The How Bizaar programme offers stall holders the chance to trial new products for free over a 12-week period and has seen more than 40 businesses test trade on the stall, three times the target at the beginning of the scheme. Simon Brereton, programme manager of Sharing the Success, commented:"The Bizaar Quarter will continue the fantastic work that has already been done to open up the market to new traders selling their own products – jewellery, clothing, crafts and millinery are just some of the examples of past clients. "By working with these entrepreneurs and encouraging them to take things slowly and gradually, we will enable the next generation of stall holders to take root in this historic market."Sharing the Success, the Leeds Local Enterprise Growth Initiative programme, and Leeds City Council are behind the scheme.What do you think? Have your say in the comments sction below.Kirkgate MarketJohn Baronguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/2010/oct/26/kirkgate-market
Friends of Kirkgate Market group welcomes watchdog's inquiry following delays to council strategyCampaigners fighting for better deal for Leeds Kirkgate Market have welcomed a council decision to hold an independent inquiry into the future of the facility.The Friends of Kirkgate Market group said the launch of an inquiry by a Leeds Council watchdog scrutiny board was a positive step. The market has been the subject of a long-running campaign by struggling traders and the Friends group over concerns about what they claim is the neglect of the facility by the council. They are campaigning for lower rents for traders, better promotion, the appointment of a dedicated market manager and a greater say in the running of the facilities.At this week's city development scrutiny board meeting councillors decided to 'call in' Kirkgate Market and launch an independent inquiry into issues surrounding the facility.The scrutiny board had previously postponed its decision whether to hold an inquiry as members awaited the publication of a draft strategy into the future of the facilities. Councillors were told this week that the strategy they were due to discuss had been delayed.Inquiry is welcomedSara Gonzales, of the Friends of Kirkgate Market, said:"We welcome this inquiry, we hope it will open up the council's market strategy for consultation with the traders and the public."The councillors at the scrutiny board were clearly frustrated at the lack of movement on the strategy. "It's soon going to be a year since the market had a dedicated manager so time is of the essence. We need action."Gonzales said the Friends group had emailed each scrutiny board member with questions over what she claimed was the lack of consulation with traders over the draft strategy.Completion of the rent reviewAfter the meeting, a Leeds council spokesperson said:"We appreciate the concerns from traders about the market, and are working to develop a comprehensive draft strategy for the market."We are still awaiting completion of the rent review which is crucial to the future strategy of the market, and it would simply make no sense to publish the strategy without all the required information from this review and the condition survey."Once the draft strategy is completed we will be consulting on it widely."A post over at the Friends of Leeds Kirkgate Market blog gives the group's version of events.Traders voiced their concerns over the future of the market when they brought a deputation to full council back in April.What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.Kirkgate MarketJohn Baronguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/2010/oct/06/leeds-kirkgate-market-scrutiny-inquiry
Friends of Kirkgate Market welcome improvements, but say much more is still needed to help traders and support the marketA good start - but there's lots more to do!That was the message from a group of Leeds shoppers and traders championing Leeds' Kirkgate Market.The Friends of Leeds Kirkgate Market group has welcomed the work of the new Labour administration in attempting to turn around the fortunes of the struggline market - but said unaffordable rents and charges were still a major issue.Their comments follow a press release issued this week by the Leeds Labour group, entitled 'Kirkgate Market – This is the REAL story'. In the release, Leeds Markets Champion and Labour councillor Mark Dobson detailed a number of initiatives he claims have been implemented since Labour took control of the council in May.But Sara Gonzales, from the Friends, said:"FoLKM really welcomes all these positive initiatives and we acknowledge that there has been a change of attitude since Labour took office; a greater championing of the market by councilors for instance. "It is still early days of this administration and some of the announced improvements (like the appointment of a manager or the £250,000 in capital investment) had actually been already agreed by the previous Tory/Lib Dem coalition. "The business support fund agreed last December is surely helping traders but unaffordable rents and charges are still an issue. We are looking forward to the publication of the draft market strategy that the council has been working on and we hope that it reflects the vital economic but also social role that the Market plays in the city."A spokesperson for the Leeds Market Traders Federation did not reply to my emailed invitation to comment.Press releaseLeeds Labour's press release reads:"The Labour Administration in control of Leeds City Council is, literally, putting its money where its mouth is to make sure it delivers the promises made to the traders of Kirkgate Market.Since taking over in May of this year, there have been many improvements, including:-* Appointing Councillor Mark Dobson as Markets Champion, to focus on the real issues facing traders and to try to find solutions;* A 50% reduction in the amount traders pay to use the area in front of their stalls to display their goods (the yellow line rate)* No increase in the service charge despite the increased opening hours on Wednesdays.* Appointed an independent rent reviewer, to review traders' stall rents* Despite a Council-wide freeze on recruitment, the markets service has been able to advertise for a permanent markets manager, to deliver a wide range of improvements across all Leeds markets;* Although money is very tight due to the new Government's drastic cuts in funding, £1/4m has been found to make improvements to the market, and traders are working together with management on a list of priorities to spend it on* The 'Real Deal' initiative launched last week reassures shoppers that all the goods for sale on the market are genuine* Footfall in the market is up considerably on Wednesdays due to the opening of the specialist bazaar boasting over 160 stalls.* A full condition survey of the market halls has been done, to help the Council decide on priority repairs* Greater flexibility for stall holders in these uncertain economic times. * Opening of brand new stalls including Jamie Oliver's Ministry of Food and the Job Shop* Successful launch of the market website Contrary to recent rumours, the £250,000 business support grant scheme has not been withdrawn but has made offers of funding worth £186,000 (£112,000 to market traders to date), with more than £50k left in the pot to be spent by the time the scheme comes to an end in March next year. The scheme provides funding tailored towards traders' needs, such as stall improvements, marketing, and rent relief, and includes dedicated support from a business adviser.Councillor Mark Dobson (Markets Champion) said: "Long before Labour took over, we were working with traders to highlight the problems facing them, and so it is great to now be in a position to fulfil our promise to help them with some practical support. We've pulled out all the stops to make half a million pounds available for projects they themselves have identified as a priority – and the appointment of a permanent markets manager should ensure that some real improvements start to take shape."What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.Kirkgate Marketguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/2010/sep/15/kirkgate-market-labour-group
Scrutiny board members visit Leeds market to look at issues surrounding troubled facilitiesCouncillors who are scrutinising the role of the council in running Leeds Kirkgate Market have said they found a visit to be 'revealing'.Members of the city development scrutiny board - an independent panel made up of local councillors of all parties - recently visited Kirkgate Market to be briefed by head of markets and city centre management Cath Follin and meet traders.During their visit, councillors received information on trader issues, rents, vacant units, footfall, investment, enforcement and recent initiatives, as well as touring the market itself.Scrutiny board members are looking at the market following a campaign by traders and supporters concerned about the future of the facilities. They are fighting for more investment and promotion, a rent reduction and more of a say in the running of the facilities which they feel are being neglected by the council.The traders' campaign has the backing of the Friends Of Kirkgate Market group, which is running a petition highlighting some of the issues there.'Interesting and very revealing'Board chairman, Conservative councillor John Procter, said of the visit:"I found it extremely interesting and very revealing. We have a team of officers there who are trying to do the right thing but there are clearly issues regarding retail expertise that the council needs to be looking at."I spoke to traders there who had nothing but praise for the council and its officers - the general thrust was that everyone wanted to make the market a phenomenal success. Traders didn't seem particularly downbeat, but their primary concern is footfall through the market."The council over many years has failed to consult with traders - we have to work with them to ensure the market is a great success."Procter also praised recent initiatives such as the recent Asian Market.Liberal Democrat Ralph Pryke added:"Like many ward members I get lobbied by groups from around the market who are often quite badly misinformed about what is happening there - for instance, that the council is trying to close the market to release development potential, which just isn't true. "I would hope that when this board comes to look at this again, we will be able to engage with these group so that information can be better shared and we can also listen to the protesters' arguments."Morley Borough Independent councillor Judith Elliott said she had learned a lot from officers and traders. She added:"It is up to us as elected members to help move this forward - we need to get a move on with it."It is understood that a draft market strategy due to be considered by board members at this week's meeting has been delayed by a month and will be looked at during a future meeting when a full debate will take place. It will also go before senior councillors on the executive board.What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.Kirkgate MarketJohn Baronguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/2010/sep/08/kirkgate-market-issues-to-be-scrutinised-by-council
* MP Hilary Benn to officially open new resource* Job Stop at Leeds Kirkgate Market has already helped hundredsMP Hilary Benn is to officially open an innovative new stall in Leeds Kirkgate Market which supports unemployed people in the city.In little over a month, the Job Stop has so far supported more than 300 people, offering a free walk-in service and help and advice to access jobs or training. Tom Murray, Chief Executive Officer at Learning Partnerships, said of the Job Stop:"It is early days but the Job Stop has already achieved some success with several customers already moving into employment or starting training. "At a difficult economic time this new unique partnership base is needed. It will help those looking for work to find the individual support they need on their journey to find a job."Hilary Benn, Labour MP for Leeds Central, will be performing the official opening of the Job Stop at 11am on Friday, 10 September, where all partners and stakeholders will be present to mark this partnership approach to help tackle unemployment in Leeds.If you would like further information on The Job Stop, e-mail jobstop@btconnect.com or telephone 0113 2468054.What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.Kirkgate MarketJohn Baronguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/2010/sep/05/leeds-kirkgate-market-job-stop-hilary-benn
* Charter 'sends strong message to counterfeit con-men' in bid to make market a fake-free zone* Council denies rumours that business support scheme has been scrappedLeeds market chiefs are cracking down on traders selling counterfeit goods.Leeds council today signed up to the Real Deal national markets' charter, which is gained by councils and markets that demonstrate a commitment to keeping their market as fake-free zones and by barring anyone found to be trading in counterfeit and other illegal products.Working closely with officers from West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service, Leeds markets service has introduced vetting procedures to ensure that counterfeit goods are not sold in Kirkgate. In recognition of this, the market will be able to display the Real Deal logo, confirming their position as a good example and role-model for other markets across the country.Cath Follin, head of city centre and markets at Leeds council, told the Guardian this morning:"We're working hard with traders and our other partners to ensure that there are no counterfeit or illegal goods on sale at the market, that we have fair trading and that the people of Leeds can shop with confidence."Follin said that any trader found with counterfeit goods would be visited by markets management and Trading Standards and be asked to remove the offending goods from sale. If necessary, legal action could be taken and, if there were persistent problems, Follin said the trader 'could be removed from the market'.Councillor Mark Dobson, Leeds Kirkgate Market champion, said:"It is fantastic that we are able to sign up to the Real Deal partnership with West Yorkshire Trading Standards to protect our market businesses and customers. We look forward to continuing to work together closely to keep our markets free from counterfeit and other illicit goods."Liz Bales, Director General of the Industry Trust for IP Awareness, which initiated the Real Deal campaign, said:"Unfortunately, unscrupulous traders can be attracted to markets and car boot sales as an easy opportunity to trade illegally, particularly in counterfeit and pirated goods. It is a major problem across the UK and is often linked to organised criminal groups for whom selling counterfeit goods is a relatively risk-free way to make money and to launder cash from other criminal activity."By signing-up to the Real Deal charter, the council is sending a clear 'keep-out' message to counterfeit con-men, helping to ensure that these markets are safe, fair venues for people to shop and to trade."Anyone who wishes to report information on the sale of counterfeit goods should contact West Yorkshire Trading Standards by phoning Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.Business support grants money 'untouched', says councilMeanwhile, the council has denied rumours that the authority had scrapped a £250,000 business support grant funding for market traders to use to improve their businesses.Rumours began circulating the market last Thursday that money set aside for small grants had been scrapped - and a couple of traders contacted the Guardian to voice their concerns.However, a brief statement issued by the council said that the rumours were untrues, the money hadn't been taken away from the market and that it was still available for traders to use. A spokeswoman added: "We can confirm that none of the £250,000 business support money will be spent on anything else other than the scheme already in place. As of yet we have not used all of the funds." What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.Kirkgate MarketJohn Baronguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/2010/sep/01/bid-to-keep-dealers-in-counterfeit-goods-out-of-leeds-kirkgate-market
A round-up of today's news and views with help from the city's best websites and blogsGood morning, Leeds.Today I'll be taking a look at what's on the agenda at next week's meeting of the council's powerful executive board. £2 million to be spent on a park, anyone? £30 million on schools?And I'll also feature the concerns of a local councillor over an application to extend the hours of an all-night booze delivery service in Leeds.Here's what's making Leeds tick todayThe 'owl' logo for the new Vision for Leeds 'what if...' public consultation has come in for some stick on Phil Kirkby's Beer and Loafing in LS11 blog. What if Leeds.. had style? Kirkby asks. Well, never let it be said that the voices of bloggers go unheard in the web wlderness, because the new What if Leeds... blog has responded to Kirkby's concerns in a post by Martin Dean called We love our owl …… because we think it will help us to achieve our aims. By the way, you can follow the 'what if Leeds...' debates over on Twitter by following #whatifLeeds."One of the big challenges of leadership is that, once you assume it, you are there to be shot at."- Mike Chitty posts about The Challenge of Leadership in Leeds - and gets in on the Vision for Leeds owl debate - over at his Community Development blog.On the subject of the new Vision for Leeds, Lee Hicken writes about the Vision for Leeds 2030 DIY-Style over at his Hebe Media blog.Labour leadership campaigner Andy Burnham's visit to Leeds earlier this week is the subject of some pictures and a brief report over at Bronchia blog.In the above video, Sarah Miller talks about the unique offering Mims Couture brings to Kirkgate Market. Full story can be found here.Leeds Pride, and why I'm hanging up the heels is the title of a guest blog by Martin over at The Culture Vulture.Young people in Leeds are being invited to become 'Cybermentors', reports Leeds Guide. And apparently it's nothing do do with the similarly named baddies out of Doctor Who...Retail and online wedding and celebrations supplies business Confetti has gone into administration. The Manchester-based firm has lost 48 staff and closed its five high-street shops including one at The Light in Leeds, reports PA.Locals in Horsforth are calling time on a bar's proposals to try to extend its opening hours, reports the YEP.The Lord Mayor's charity appeal and events in Leeds 2010-2011 are featured here.Do you have news, views or events to share? Feel free add them to the comments below or contact me by email or on Twitter @GdnLeeds.Kirkgate MarketJohn Baronguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/2010/aug/17/leeds-today-the-great-leeds-owl-debate-market-couture-and-cybermentors
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