Councillor urges Havering Council to adopt a ‘low cost plan’ to save Romford Market.

‘As a Councillor for the  market, I feel it’s time we fight to save it’–Councillor David Taylor.

St Edwards Ward Councillor David Taylor today writes in the Havering Daily on Council plans to cut Romford’s Sunday Market.

Havering council has confirmed that it is still seeking to cut Romford’s Sunday Market, in papers presented to Councillors ahead of a crunch budget meeting. 

Documents confirm that Havering has received legal advice advising them not to make changes, whilst Parliament debates on a relevant bill, Councillor Taylor believes that the intention is clear and that the Sunday market will go. 

“Havering have got a chance to invest into the market and to keep it going. But I fear they have no intention to. They are eyeing up the square for parking, at increased high prices. 

As a Councillor for the  market, I feel it’s time we fight to save it”. Taylor said.

Councillor Taylor has outlined a simple plan that would allow a reduced size market to operate alongside parking, safely. This would mean the benefit of parking revenue for the council and continued trading for the market. The plan would also create a safe event space in the square, reducing costs by eliminating the need to put temporary barriers in place. 

Councillor Taylor added:

“My plan is inspired by conversations with stall holders and it’s simple. A set of bollards through the middle of the square, running from the church over to the old Littlewoods site, would allow a market to safely operate alongside parking.

It is low-cost and common sense”.

Releasing the plans on his website, www.davidtaylor.london, Councillor Taylor outlines that the scheme could be funded through money from developers. Havering Council is in line for up to £10m of Community Infrastructure Levies thanks to giving planning permission for the Seedbed development. 

Acknowledging that Councillor Graham Williamson has promised to look at investment into the market, Councillor Taylor says that he will work with the administration to drive forward plans. Last year the Labour / RA administration ruled out a cross-party working group, proposed by Conservatives, to work on ideas to save the market.

“To date, the council have not informed me of any plans to enhance the market square. They keep telling me they’ll involve local councillors, but so far we’ve only seen proposals for cuts.  I hope my proposal acts as a cross-party conversation starter, so we can save our historic market.”

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