Romford Councillors propose Sunday Market for Christmas.

Romford Councillors, David Taylor and Nisha Patel, have called for the council to accept a proposal for a self-funding Sunday market in the run up to Christmas. 

Havering Council withdrew its support for Romford’s Sunday market, citing that it wasn’t viable and received financial support from the council. Conservative Councillors objected to the closure, putting forward alternative proposals that would allow the market to host both parking and a market. Councillors Patel and Taylor also represented market traders who were requesting permission to pay to park their vans on the market square, massively reducing the financial support required.

With Christmas fast approaching, Councillors Patel and Taylor are again asking Havering Council to reconsider.

An external market management company has offered to run Sunday markets up until Christmas. Their offer includes covering the costs and sharing profit with the council. They will also bring in new stalls for the market, having operated markets across other Essex towns. Other proposals, such as an offer from one trader to pay significantly over the going rate, have also been put forward.

Councillor Taylor described the proposals as “win – win”.

“We’ve been given the chance to bring a Sunday Market to Romford, at no cost to the council. In the run-up to Christmas, this will bring a much-needed boost to our high-street as well as an income for the council.” – Taylor said.

The proposals have, so far, not been accepted by the council and traders are keen to know whether they will be able to set up their stalls. Councillor Nisha Patel, a small business owner, says the council must act fast.

“Small businesses, such as these market stalls, are an important part of our local community. These proposals will be a boost to the stallholders, but the council must act fast or both sides will loose out. Small businesses cannot wait around, if we don’t take them, they will go somewhere else. Romford will yet again lose out whilst other areas gain”

The councillors have passed the proposals on to the relevant Directors, as well as Councillor Graham Williamson (HRA) who oversaw the closure of the Sunday market.

Councillor Taylor continued,

“We understand the need for budget cuts and the role government has played in forcing Havering into that position. However, to keep Romford going, we need to seize opportunities like this and find ways to do things differently.

There are so many opportunities for Romford, and we keep hearing that this administration has a vision for it, they keep telling us about this ‘glorious’ masterplan. The masterplan will mean nothing if, when businesses come knocking, we don’t even open the door to talk”.

Councillors Patel and Taylor say that they will both continue to push for the council to engage with these businesses and to bring a Sunday Market to Romford over Christmas.

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.