National award win for town's indoor markets

Traders at a recently refurbished market hall are celebrating after winning best small indoor market at an industry awards ceremony.

Leek's Butter Market and Trestle Market in the Staffordshire Moorlands reopened just over a year ago following a £3.4m overhaul.

Judges at the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) described Leek's indoor market as "a dynamic incubator for local enterprise, cultural activity and town centre footfall".

Collaboration between traders and council staff were central to its success, they said.

Matt Swindlehurst, cabinet member for leisure and tourism at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said it was a "very prestigious" award and that he was "absolutely delighted" at the recognition.

"I think, for me, it's a great way to say thank you very much for all the hard work that those traders have been putting in and the people who come and spend their money, and of course the really good team of officers who put the markets together."

He said the newly refreshed market was going from "strength to strength" with events held there over the past year including film nights, band nights, Pride celebrations and a Day of the Dead event as well as a German night.

"It can be used in lots of different ways," Swindlehurst added.

"That brings it to life, other than just the three days a week when you'd normally run markets."

Improvement work carried out as part of the refurbishments included shop front restoration as well as installation of wi-fi and CCTV.

A new entrance to the Trestle Market was created along with the creation of an events space and food and drink outlets.

Philip Whalen, who runs the Gourmet Sausage Company stall at the market, said it was a peer award, meaning other markets as well as customers had recognised Leek's offering.

"It's nice to have recognition for the people behind it," he said, adding that there was a team of officers and councillors who had contributed to its success.

"It's for them really, as much as for the market and for us."

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