Kirkgate Market issues to be scrutinised by council

Councillors who are scrutinising the role of the council in running Leeds Kirkgate Market have said they found a visit to be 'revealing'. Members of the city development scrutiny board - an independent panel made up of local councillors of all parties - recently visited Kirkgate Market to be briefed by head of markets and city centre management Cath Follin and meet traders. During their visit, councillors received information on trader issues, rents, vacant units, footfall, investment, enforcement and recent initiatives, as well as touring the market itself. Scrutiny board members are looking at the market following a campaign by traders and supporters concerned about the future of the facilities. They are fighting for more investment and promotion, a rent reduction and more of a say in the running of the facilities which they feel are being neglected by the council. The traders' campaign has the backing of the Friends Of Kirkgate Market group, which is running a petition highlighting some of the issues there. 'Interesting and very revealing' Board chairman, Conservative councillor John Procter, said of the visit: "I found it extremely interesting and very revealing. We have a team of officers there who are trying to do the right thing but there are clearly issues regarding retail expertise that the council needs to be looking at. "I spoke to traders there who had nothing but praise for the council and its officers - the general thrust was that everyone wanted to make the market a phenomenal success. Traders didn't seem particularly downbeat, but their primary concern is footfall through the market. "The council over many years has failed to consult with traders - we have to work with them to ensure the market is a great success." Procter also praised recent initiatives such as the recent Asian Market. Liberal Democrat Ralph Pryke added: "Like many ward members I get lobbied by groups from around the market who are often quite badly misinformed about what is happening there - for instance, that the council is trying to close the market to release development potential, which just isn't true. "I would hope that when this board comes to look at this again, we will be able to engage with these group so that information can be better shared and we can also listen to the protesters' arguments." Morley Borough Independent councillor Judith Elliott said she had learned a lot from officers and traders. She added: "It is up to us as elected members to help move this forward - we need to get a move on with it." It is understood that a draft market strategy due to be considered by board members at this week's meeting has been delayed by a month and will be looked at during a future meeting when a full debate will take place. It will also go before senior councillors on the executive board. What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.