Don't Let The Centre Of Ely Become A Car Boot Sale

I HAVE been following the problem of the market stalls and the consequential knock-on effect that this will have on the future of Ely as a market town. Several years ago we lost the cattle market which at the time was a massive blow. Since then the town h

I HAVE been following the problem of the market stalls and the consequential knock-on effect that this will have on the future of Ely as a market town.

Several years ago we lost the cattle market which at the time was a massive blow. Since then the town has progressed and would be unrecognisable from those days with the new shops that have become established.

Ely is still not a town that has attracted many of the major multiples which are pulling power for any city centre. Instead we have to rely on our strengths in other directions to attract people to Ely on the major shopping days.

I went into one shop at the beginning of the week and there were two people shopping. I revisited the same store on Thursday and they had queues at two tills and the shop was full of customers looking at the products on offer. This shows the difference that the market day makes. Without that being successful the rest of the town is severely affected. Rates, which are always high for retail shops, could be lost if closures result from any reduction in the market.

This has not been mentioned by Mr Brown who only seems concerned in saving money from the council's point of view. I do, however, sympathise with him as I presume that the Government has once again cut the funding creating an impossible situation for the ECDC. Cuts have to be made and rates increased, another 'stealth' tax!

I am sure that no one wants the centre of Ely turned into a car boot sale, but this will happen if the withdrawal of the present facilities continues.

GEOFF SPINKS

Wellington Street

Littleport