Councillors have been told they “must get to grips” with the issue of weather impacting markets in Lichfield city centre.
A meeting this week saw members of Lichfield City Council asked to amend the wording of a policy to clarify when Market Square sessions will need to be called off after it had been branded “a running joke”.
The current rules state that when winds are predicted to exceed 35mph markets can be called off.
A spokesperson for Beacon Street Area Residents’ Association said action needed to be taken to give certainty to traders and residents.
“Lichfield City Council must get to grips with this problem.
“We have been raising the issue of climate change affecting the market operation over recent years.
“Many local residents use the market on a regular basis and nothing is more frustrating than to go and find it has been cancelled again.
“Either the use of stalls that can withstand the weather or relocating the market out of the wind tunnel is imperative.
“We appreciate the difficulties, but Lichfield City Council who are guardians of the Market Charter should take responsibility for its operation more seriously.”
Beacon Street Area Residents’ Association
Since introducing a policy where traders supply their own gazebos rather than standard stalls, the council has reduced the previous 45mph wind speed limit to 35mph.
A report to the markets working group meeting explained:
“When forecast wind speed is between 35mph and 45mph, the option to trade from vehicles is usually provided – thereby negating the need for a gazebo – but those choosing not to attend are not charged arrears as this method of trading does not suit all traders.
“Weather forecasts as supplied by the Met Office are used to determine what wind gust speeds will be, and to comply with its own terms and conditions, the city council must advise traders of any cancelled or reduced market due to forecast severe weather prior to 4pm on the day before the affected market.
“The windy weather in February meant that several markets were disrupted and criticism was received from a minority of traders for decisions to reduce the market when windspeed consistently exceeded 35mph.”
Report to Lichfield City Council’s markets working group
