MARKET traders in Ely will be asked for their views on the future of Ely market after the council announced its chief executive will carry out a review. The consultation, which could take up to six months to complete, will seek the views of traders on a n

MARKET traders in Ely will be asked for their views on the future of Ely market after the council announced its chief executive will carry out a review.

The consultation, which could take up to six months to complete, will seek the views of traders on a number of controversial issues including the provision of market stalls, pitch fees and changes to the terms and conditions of market traders.

The review has been instigated by East Cambridgeshire District Council following concerns from traders and members of the public who were unhappy about the council's suggestion that traders should provide their own stalls.

At a full council meeting in March there was a dramatic change of heart by the ruling Conservative group amid reported legal threats.

Councillors agreed to halt the plans, which were set to save the authority about �30,000, in favour of the review which will be conducted over a six-month period by the council's chief executive, John Hill.

Stall holder Mick Stimson told the Ely Standard: "We don't know what to expect from the consultation but one of the important issues for all of the traders will be market stalls so I think we will be pressing for that.

"We feel it is important to retain the stalls for the market traders and to ensure we keep the people there who have been on the market for years."

Councillor Michael Allan, chairman of Internal Overview and Scrutiny at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "Ely Markets are thriving and it is our job to make sure they continue to develop and evolve over the next few years. The markets are such a success because they are diverse - offering a range of produce that is second to none. What our review and consultation must now do is harness the success of the last few years but also make it affordable for the District Council to run without causing traders hardship."

Councillor David Brown, chairman of the External Review Partnership at East Cambridgeshire District Council said: "If we are to continue to grow and develop our markets we need to tackle the issues which prevent further success. This review gives us the opportunity not just to tackle who pays for the erection of stalls, but also how we can improve other areas from marketing to how we inform traders of changes. Our work over the next few months will strengthen Ely Markets and make them even more successful."

The review team will be reporting back options to Internal Overview and Scrutiny Committee in June.

At present the cost to supply and erect market stalls is being met by the district council's reserves.