Two Market Drayton markets to be managed by council

Shropshire Council said it would look at "fresh ideas" over the coming months

A town's indoor and street markets are set to come under Shropshire Council's management from April.

It owns the facilities in Market Drayton, but the markets have been run on the authority's behalf by firm, LSD Promotions, for the past 12 years.

In September, traders at the indoor market said their businesses were being put at risk by rent rises.

But, the council has confirmed current reduced rates for the markets would be kept for the immediate future.

Management of the facilities will be led by Kate Gittins, who has stepped back from running Shrewsbury Market Hall, after leading it to the title of Britain's Favourite Market for the second year running.

The win in the Great British Market Awards, which was announced at a National Association of British Market Authorities conference on Thursday, was secured following a national public voting campaign.

Kate Gittins (front left) has handed over the management reins of Shrewsbury Market Hall to (from left) Russell Hall, Amy Williams and Kevin Lockwood

The markets in Market Drayton would "continue to run in their current format", the council said.

However, the authority would look at "fresh ideas" over the coming months, working with the town council and traders.

The smaller rates would be retained to support them and "ensure consistency during this handover period", the council said.

LSD Promotions said it was proud "of the vibrant community" it had nurtured in the markets.

Dean Carroll, council cabinet member for housing and assets, thanked the company for its work in managing the facilities.