BRIGG COUNCILLOR LAUNCHES NEW MARKET

There was great interest yesterday morning in the opening of a new market by a Brigg councillor and resident.
Coun Rob Waltham, pictured above, wearing one of his many hats as leader of North Lincolnshire Council, was spotted by us about 8am from the No 4 Brigg to Scunthorpe Hornsby bus as he prepared to launch Ashby market in its new location outside the main row of shops on the Broadway, having been relocated from the old site on the other side of the road, alongside the Crown pub.
Brigg Blog's personal opinion:  The new market area looks lovely and vibrant.
Earlier yesterday morning we'd walked through Brigg Market Place where our stallholders were setting up shop.
Will the new Ashby market take trade away from Brigg's?
In the short term, perhaps it will to some degree. Especially as the No 4 bus from Brigg will drop people off right next to Ashby market.
Folk are always keen to visit something new.
However, we don't think that, in the medium to long term, it will affect trade on our town's long-standing facility. "Shop local" still applies!

 
FROM KIRSTY WESTFIELD, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

Shoppers flocked to the new-look Ashby Market on Broadway on its opening day (Thursday 2 November) - making it a huge success.
Ashby Market opened at 8.30am and before it closed some traders had sold out of stock and local shops had seen their trade doubled.
Customers who visited, said: “It was brilliant well done to all involved! I'll definitely return. Ashby was buzzing.” “Been to our new market in Ashby this morning and I have to say I like it. It's quaint and busy like the old days.”
North Lincolnshire Council has improved Ashby Broadway with a new-look market and improved access. The market is open from 8.30am until 4pm every Thursday.
The new market is in a more central location in the heart of Ashby at the popular Broadway, close to nearby shops and amenities. It replaces the former Market nearby that was only ever a third occupied. The new market is full with all the stalls taken up.
The investment includes new high quality stalls, road improvements, and new storage unit for the market stalls, and trailer and staff area.
There are 31 stalls selling a wide range of produce.
Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “I visited Ashby Market when it first opened this morning and there was already a real buzz about the place. All the stalls were full and many people were browsing the wide range of stalls, which was great to see.
“Relocating to Broadway was a major investment to transform Ashby Market and the nearby area to put the market back into the heart of the community. There was a definite community feel at the market today.
“By providing a new market at a much busier location, there is every chance of success for traders. Shoppers are more likely to visit as it is in a much more prominent and visible location.
“We have also improved access so car parking on Broadway is now on one level on non-market days. It will be fully pedestrianised on market days and is next to a bus stop. And we have improved the nearby junction to provide a roundabout to improve traffic flow.”
   
ABOVE: Coun Rob Waltham at the market yesterday with Jo Miller and her son who won a competition and received a £50 voucher to spend there. Picture courtesy of North Lincolnshire Council.