New business group fights plans for winter market on Stratford's Waterside
A WINTER of discontent could be looming for a winter market on Waterside in Stratford as a newly-forged retail alliance in the town has objected to the proposal, claiming it will harm their businesses.
Up to 40 town centre businesses, who are all members of Business Action Groups for Stratford-upon-Avon (BAGS), have challenged an application by LSD Promotions to hold a winter market on Waterside on various dates in January through to March next year. The application is for between 50 and 75 traders.
However, BAGS – which says it has the support of over 70 businesses in Stratford – believes Waterside is unsuitable for a market as it ‘detracts from the open space, natural views of the riverside, canal basin, Bancroft Gardens and the Royal Shakespeare Company’ but critically the businesses say they object because a winter market hits trade.
Andrew Rothwell, a spokesperson for BAGS, told the Herald: “A winter market stops footfall from travelling throughout the town and a market in Waterside isn’t necessary when there is a traditional marketplace in Rother Street. In addition, the group believes the inclusion in the application to sell alcohol at the market not only breaks a fundamental condition relating to the protection of children, but also places those market stalls selling alcohol in direct competition with licensed businesses along Waterside.”
The LSD application is due to be considered by the district council’s licensing panel on Wednesday, 26th October, where it will be granted or refused.
Some business owners in Stratford have been critical of markets for over five years and in August some firms within the Stratford BID member area registered their objection to a licence application for the winter market, referring to the results of a 2021 business survey.
‘The Stratford Benchmarking Report by People and Places Insight shows that 61 per cent of businesses within the Stratford BID member area stated that markets were a negative aspect of trading in the town. This is against a national average of just five per cent,’ the stated.
The issue of footfall was also addressed.
The objectors added: ‘It is claimed the market brings in footfall; however, the Stratford Benchmarking shows that footfall in Henley Street is lower on market days than on non-market days. Markets on the Waterside location have a negative impact on trade in the town.’
BAGS said it was attempting to make contact with Stratford BID. Mr Rothwell said: “We have approached Stratford BID for a meeting which we hope could be in the next couple of weeks but no dates have been set yet.”
The markets on Waterside do have their supporters with residents and visitors enjoying being able to shop at different traders.
Stratford BID was contacted for comment.
