FLOURISHING Wyre markets have been shortlisted for national awards.
Bosses at Fleetwood’s booming 250-stall site on Adelaide Street are hoping to get the nod in the large market category at the Market of the Year ceremony.
It is joined on the shortlist by Poulton’s street site, listed as one of the best small offerings in the country, despite only being open 12 months.
Julian Brent, market manager at both, says the key to Fleetwood’s success was sticking to what customers want.
He added: “It’s fantastic recognition for the market and the council because we do put a lot of effort into this and all the staff are very positive. It’s a traditional market and we have a very high occupancy rate compared to others in the country, and that’s a success in itself.
“We have kept the market looking traditional and haven’t turned it into the style of a shopping centre, which is what people want.
“We also have a three stall rule meaning no-one can sell the same item next door to each other.
“You can go into some markets and see clothing, clothing and clothing and that’s very boring.”
The National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) awards recognised Poulton following a successful first year for its bustling event in Market Square.
Mr Brent added: “We decided to bring a market to Poulton to increase footfall in the town. It’s a street market which has brought a lot more people in and they love it.
“The amount of people coming into Poulton had declined over the years with supermarkets opening out of town, but all of a sudden they came back and it shows what you can achieve through this service.”
Coun Gordon McCann, cabinet member with responsibility for economic development at Wyre Council, said: “Where many other markets are failing or closing because of recession, Fleetwood Market is going from strength to strength and attracts trippers from all over the country.
“And Poulton Market has now been running successfully for more than 12 months in the town, offering a great variety of local produce from a regular group of traders.”
Residents can vote for their favourite market by logging on to www.nabma.com, clicking on the voting icon and typing in Fleetwood or Poulton.
The poll closes on December 30 and the winner will be announced at the end of January.
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