Council chiefs will be responding to the deputation proposals for Kirkgate market in Leeds this week.

Members of the executive board will respond to the original deputation put forward by the National Federation of Market Traders in April this year, which called for more investment in the market, lower rents, cheaper car parking and re-investment.

An independent rent view has been proposed to see if the current levels of rents are appropriate, and in the meantime there will be a 50% reduction in the charges for extending produce beyond stalls into the ‘yellow line’ area.

Councillor Mark Dobson, Leeds Kirkgate market champion said:
“The market is a very important part of Leeds “We need to be realistic and realise that the changes we wish to implement will not happen overnight, but we understand the need to act quickly and work with the traders to demonstrate a genuine commitment to working together to improve things.”

More than 10 million people visit Kirkgate market every year but the council is seeking to improve this and encourage new shoppers to visit the market along with existing shoppers continuing their support.