Market Traders in Thetford are to receive a welcome boost after prices for pitch fees were slashed by Thetford Town Council.

Members of Thetford Town Council recently agreed to cut the fees paid for market pitches by around 25%, recognising the impact of the cost of living crisis and inflationary pressures on stall holders.

Councillor Terry Land, Chair of the Venues and Markets Committee said: “Rising prices have been affecting us all, including our market traders. This has caused tough trading conditions against a backdrop of much wider challenges. Town Councillors wanted to use whatever powers were at our disposal to support traders which is why we have approved this reduction”.

Additionally, Town Councillors introduced two incentive schemes to try and attract new traders. Firstly, there will be an introductory rate where new traders can book a weekly pitch for two months, for the price of one. There’s also a new rate for any young market traders, under the age of twenty-five. They can now get a pitch for six months, for the price of three. The decision to reduce fees comes on top of a decision last month to recruit a new Market Co-ordinator. Following a recruitment process, the new person will be joining the Council’s staff team shortly and will be tasked with supporting existing traders as well as recruiting new ones.

Councillor Doug Jefferson, Vice Chair of the Committee added; “We’ve seen a lot more positivity about the market and the town centre generally with the very popular continental market earlier this year and the heritage-themed events on the market square. We’re determined to grow the market and attract new traders and I urge residents to support those traders. Ultimately, whether or not our market thrives depends on the extent to which we all support it”.

For more information about Thetford Market, please contact the Town Council on 01842 754247 or email: mail@thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk