Traders Meet Council Officials Over Showground Event
Written by HFM News on 4th August 2023
Business owners have met with council officials about the recent event at Market Harborough Showground.
Some pubs and hospitality venues in and around the town closed the weekend before last, amid concerns over anti-social behaviour and not being able to cope with large numbers of people.
The religious festival for members of the Gipsy and Traveller community attracted over 2,000 people and passed without incident, but some traders say they should have been given more notice and information, to allow them to plan for it.
Market Harborough
Business bosses met with the leader of Harborough District Council, Cllr Phil Knowles and council officers at the Symington Building last night.
Cllr Knowles described the meeting as an ‘open and a frank exchange’ which he said he greatly appreciated and valued.
He said : “Officers and I heard at first hand details from the traders and importantly we heard details of other matters that the traders are confronted with regularly throughout the year.
“I was extremely grateful to the traders for their openness. It will prove extremely beneficial in moving forward.
“It was also an opportunity for us to share with the traders the facts. Where responsibility rests for certain functions such as licensing, policing and highway matters. Where the ownership of the site and management rests. It was a chance to dispel rumours that have been peddled and replace them with details, dates and fact.”
Kyra Williams, president of Market Harborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce, told HFM comments on social media surrounding the event were not helpful:
Cllr Knowles is to host another meeting with businesses once a ‘debriefing session’ has been held by various agencies involved in planning and managing the event.
He added: “The intention is to follow on from the discussion we have had, share detail following the debrief, encourage as many businesses as possible to attend and to look forward together.”
