Market traders raise concern over decision regarding operator to run new market

A computer generated image of how the new market could look

Following the future of Rochdale Market being raised at the recent full council meeting, Rochdale Pioneers Ltd, the co-operative group of stallholders of Rochdale’s outdoor market, has expressed concern that its bid to run the new market may be overlooked.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/106947/the-new-rochdale-pioneers-reveal-future-proposals-for-new-market-location

The concern has come about due to a statement by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Farnell, who said at the meeting: “The market will move some time in the summer after Easter. It will be run by a specialist operator and be a quality market.”

A spokesperson for the Rochdale Pioneers Ltd, the co-operative group of stallholders of Rochdale’s outdoor market, said: “We, the Rochdale Pioneers Ltd, who have tendered to the Council feel that comments made by Councillor Farnell have made a conflict of interest, assuming a decision has already been made, when it has not yet supposedly been made.”

However, a spokesman for the Council said: "All applications for this important role will be considered and a full evaluation carried out to ensure the town is served with what shoppers want - a vibrant, quality market."

Rochdale Pioneers Ltd will find out the result of their tender application on Friday 23 December.