Conservative City councillors have yet to decide how they will vote on proposals to close Lancaster Market by the end of the year when Full Council meet later this week.
“The Conservative Group has not issued a formal statement on the Lancaster Market, and as yet, we do not know what specific budget amendment on the Market will be put before the Council for a vote on Wednesday,” Conservative leader (and former Council leader) Roger Mace told virtual-lancaster.
“In response to recent enquiries on the subject, I have reminded people that, back in January 2008, I moved a resolution in Cabinet asking for a report from officers ‘to outline options open to the Council to advise, support and assist market tenants affected by the proposals to relocate their businesses with effect from any closure.’
“I have not changed my view on this,” he continued.
The Conservatives are, however, clear that they do wish to see market traders continue in business, although not necessarily in the current Market.
“There is no desire to see traders stop trading,” Roger confirms, “but there is a need to reduce the current level of deficit from operating the Market: a deficit which is unsustainable and not good value for the Council Tax payers in the district.”
The Lancaster Market building is owned by Allied Lancaster, part of London-based Allied Freehold Property Trust Limited and it, along with the Marketgate complex – was transferred to this corporate identity for £34.5 million in Feb 2008 (as reported by local newspapers at the time such as the Morecambe Visitor).
Lancaster City Council pays yearly rent of £461,000 for the building, but despite the ongoing recession, that rent is to rise significantly in the next financial year – to £492,000.
Roger Mace says some people who have contacted him to raise there concerns did not know the City Council only has a 99-year lease on the building.
“In some cases, people were unaware that the Market building is not owned by the Council, so I have explained to them that much of the ongoing problem arises from the terms of of the lease agreed to by the Labour administration in 1995.
“I hope for a sensible outcome.”
• Lancaster City Council Full Council will take place at 2.00pm on Wednesday 3rd March at Morecambe Town Hall. Campaigners will march from Lancaster Market at 12:15 prompt to Morecambe to vent their anger at the closure plans. Click here for agenda details on the City Council web site
• Several online groups are discussing options for the future of the market: this Facebook group has the highest membership of 4000 people, but there are others. A petition is also being circulated around Lancaster Market for people to sign. Over 7000 people have signed so far.
• Lancaster City Council Statement on Lancaster Market
• Lancaster City Council: Lancaster Market Q&As (PDF link)