Stratford markets contract to be re-tendered

THE current operator of street markets in Stratford-upon-Avon – Geraud of Liverpool – will have a fight on its hands if it wants to hold on to its contract in the town.

Members of Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s ruling cabinet voted on Monday, 5th September, in favour of inviting tenders for the contract well before the current one expires at the end of September next year.

The council could simply have awarded Geraud with another five-year contract but chose instead to open it up to other would-be contenders.

But while agreeing to re-tender the contract and include a three-day Christmas Festival in the new arrangements, councillors decided to defer a decision on the tender evaluation criteria.

One member of the cabinet, Cllr Lynda Organ (Cons, Bridgetown), suggested that the Sunday market at Waterside should revert back to 28 days a year from its present 43 days. “It’s a community area – not just for a market,” she said.

Cllr Organ said one explanation for the heavy footfall in Waterside was because of the market. But she added: “I suspect the footfall is already at Waterside. It’s such an important part of Stratford, and that’s why Waterside is the perfect location for the markets operator. But it should not be allowed to become a market place.”

Another member of the cabinet, Cllr Stephen Gray (Cons, Brailes and Compton) complained about the current amount of “fast foods” on offer at the markets.

For a full report see Thursday’s Herald.