Talk of a new market in Eastwood has excited residents. Broxtowe Borough Council's agenda has outlined hopes for a market although there are difficulties for deciding the location due to the town centre layout and land ownership.
That hasn't stopped people in Eastwood town centre becoming excited at the prospect of having a market as they say they miss the old one. They say it will be well received and that it will bring more people to the town.
Shopper Yvonne Cottee, a 62 year old housewife, from Eastwood, is excited at the idea of having a new market. Mrs Cottee said: “A market - I think it would be fantastic.
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“I think it would be nice to have a veggie stall. It would get more people around. It would be lovely, it would be nice.”
Business owner, John Hamilton, 60, who owns Rainbow Cards on Nottingham Road, told Nottinghamshire Live that the old market is missed and that a new one would bring more foot traffic to the area. Mr Hamilton said: “It would be nice because we used to have one.
“It will hopefully bring more footfall. It never used to have much in it before but it used to be nice to see. Another market would be nice - anything to improve the town.”
People who spoke to Nottinghamshire Live said that the former market closed around three or four years ago. Gary Ponting, 62, who is retired and from Eastwood says that the town needs something.
Mr Ponting said: “I wouldn’t use it but for people it’s another option. They still have one in Ilkeston. It needs something here as it’s a bit dead. I think it would be good - it gives you a choice.”
Broxtowe Borough Council has markets in Beeston, Kimberley and Stapleford. The agenda says that Beeston's market has been performing strongly as the other markets in Kimberley and Stapleford have developed.
Another shopper, Bob Brimson, 76, retired, says that a new market would be beneficial for Eastwood. Mr Brimson said: “It will be a good idea. There used to be a market but it just disappeared. I think it would be good.”
A spokesperson for Broxtowe Borough Council said: “Broxtowe’s Jobs and Economy Committee are committed to exploring opening a Market in Eastwood to complement those in the other three town centres. We have some new equipment and believe our market offer to traders will be competitive.
“Research shows that markets can be popular and drive footfall on days when they take place. We have only just embarked on our feasibility work and it would be too early to make any further comments on this exciting opportunity for the town.”
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