Market in Crowle saved after organisers spearhead revival
The market in Crowle has been saved from closure after organisers took urgent action to address its failings.
The Markets' Committee in Crowle earlier this year raised concerns about the market's future because not enough people were using it.
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Success: Members of the Crowle and Ealand Market Charter Group, from left, Jenny Davey, John Ramsden, Pauline Turner, Mel Bailey, Gill Thompson and Sara Vernall
Now, after a campaign to draw in more stall-holders and shoppers, organisers say the market is thriving.
Stall-holder Gill Thompson, who has attended every market since the event started in September last year, has spearheaded efforts to revive the market.
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She organised meetings to find ways of improving service and trade at the markets in the town's Market Place.
And with 10 members on the market's committee and 10 stalls already booked for the next market on Saturday, October 13, she is confident the hard work is paying off.
The Crowle resident, whose stall sells home-made preserves, chutney and crafts, said: "Crowle market is now thriving.
"Over subsequent months – August and September – the uptake of stall-holders has improved and looks like it will continue in October.
"Customers have made comments on the wide range of stalls and products it offers."
Mrs Thompson said the market had increased more than threefold in size.
She said: "In some months, we had just three stalls and when we heard in July that August's market might be the last one, I set up a petition.
"And with the help from another lady from Crowle Allotment Society, we canvassed most of Crowle and went out with flyers.
"I'm not a 'giver-upper'. We've started to take orders from people who cannot get up to the market."
She said the market recently had a stall-holder who had travelled from Lincoln to sell her collection of soft toys.
Among the other stalls now pitching up on market day are a fishmonger, a plant stall, a vegetable seller, a jewellery stall and a stall selling handbags and scarves.
Lucy Robinson, 37, of Crowle said: "I usually miss the markets when they are on. I did go to one a while ago and I thought it was a bit naff so I never went again.
"But I've heard that they've been much better recently so I'll have to give it a go on Saturday."
Carol Johnson, owner of Grannie Annies café and sweet shop, said: "It's starting to pick up – there are a lot more stalls coming in.
"It's very pleasant to walk around. There's a lovely fish monger and a lady who makes cakes. You can also buy fresh organic vegetables there – it's really good now."
Now the markets committee is pushing for North Lincolnshire Council to consider organising a food fair, similar to the one held in Epworth four times a year.
A spokesman for North Lincolnshire Council said it was willing to look at the request. He said: "The Crowle Markets Committee needs to put the request for Crowle to be considered for a food fair into the Tourism and Town Centres team."
Crowle Market will take place between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, October 13.
For further information or to book a stall for £5, call Gill Thompson on 01724 712690.
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