Craft market will return to High Street

The market will take place on the high street from 10:00 until 15:00 on the fourth Sunday of every month

A town’s popular artisan craft market will return to its high street after a year-long temporary move.

Thornbury Market was moved temporarily to St Mary Street car park last year while multi-million pound works took place to partially pedestrianise the high street.

The market will relocate to the high street from 27 April after South Gloucestershire councillors approved the proposals last week.

A nearby business objected saying it would harm local shops’ income, while one resident wrote in support.

'Bring in customers'

The market will run from 10:00 until 15:00 on the fourth Sunday of every month, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

An objector said in their submission: “Putting stalls on the high street will take trade away from shops that are already struggling.”

Some members of the public expressed concerns last year of "public nuisance", mainly due to the loss of parking spaces.

Green Top Markets, which applied for the licence to hold the market, said it supports small businesses.

“We know the increase in profitability they get from the market with the added footfall,” managing director Gareth O'Sullivan said.

“We work closely with businesses to know there is no conflict of interest with the traders and what they sell, so we are hoping we are going to get back there.

“It helps to regenerate the high street and brings more customers in.”

The market will move out of St Mary Street car park later this month

South Gloucestershire Council senior licensing officer Emma Pain told the meeting that the market had no complaints when it was previously in the high street.

A report to councillors said Green Top Markets must ensure access at all times for people on the high street regarding dropped kerbs.

The report added: "Officers of the licensing service are aware of the road closure and possible use of disabled parking bays to accommodate market stalls.

“Alternative disabled parking bays are available in other council public car parks on St Mary Street, Castle Court and Rock Street, but it is acknowledged these do not give immediate access to the local shops, amenities or a market taking place in the High Street.”

No responses were received to the application from the police or any other council departments.