Monday, December 6, 2010

Out in the cold - NNDC Council policy

With snow and ice gripping the nation over the past couple of weeks, local market businesses have been hit hard. The icy road conditions have been unsafe for many traders to travel to markets and for those brave enough to make the journey it means standing out in subzero temperatures all day.

Fair enough, some will say setting up a market stall business is a personal choice so complaining when weather conditions are unfavourable is par for the course. This is true, trading outside in this country is very much a gamble but then all business is a gamble. Any business owner will understand this.

Markets come with ancient history as sites for trading. This is where shopping began from the year dot. It is very important to keep this tradition going as it is part of our country's rich culture and heritage.

Markets have many attributes, not only do they add interest to a town, they bring in tourism, boost the local economy, and play an important part in local communities.

What a shame then, that when bad weather strikes that more cannot be done by the council market traders pay their rents to. Often passers-by think that traders only have to pay a tiny sum if anything at all to trade at markets. This is not the case, regular traders pay a weekly rent and they have to cover that in their takings.

When the car park ices over at Sheringham Station road car park like other car parks across the county, it is not NNDC council policy to grit them. Fair enough, it would take a lot of grit to cover all the car parks and grit as we know it, seems to run out quickly. However, when it is known market day falls every Saturday and the gritters and snow plough are out in the town the day before market, surely they could make the car park safer for traders and customers alike.

Apparently not. It remains council policy not to treat the car park. No special dispensation for extreme weather conditions or the fact that it becomes unsafe for traders to set up their stalls and customers to visit them.

Last year, I set up my stall on Sheringham car park in the snow. I gritted my area and so did the handful of other traders who managed to get there. However, it was not possible for us to grit the whole area to make it safe for customers to get to us. Consequently we did not get many customers and our efforts to trade in the snow went unrewarded.

Why can't NNDC think beyond policy in extreme conditions? Sheringham Market brings business to the town. The shops, pubs, restaurants etc must be affected by this policy too, if potential customers can't park and walk safely into the town, they won't and trade gets hit hard all over.

The EDP does a great deal to support local business. Everyone is trying to stop the demise of small business and the rural and coastal towns in which they trade but the most powerful possible ally the NNDC appears to turn its back when help is requested. Why?

The usual argument is legal insurance implications, well perhaps these for once need to be challenged or ways to be found round them. Otherwise, if we are set to have snow every winter, markets could disappear.


Please note: this article has been written by one trader and may not represent the views and opinions of all traders (but without doubt a fair few of them!)

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Sheringham Market at Christmas

Sheringham Market is a great place to avoid the city centre queues, parking charges, and general stress and mayhem you get at this time of year.

Sheringham Market takes place every Saturday, all year round.. Come and enjoy shopping on the beautiful North Norfolk Coast where you will find all sorts of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to Greeting cards, and lots of gift ideas to suit all budgets! All in a laid back atmosphere in the healthy fresh air. You can always leave the car at home and come by train. The station is just a stone's throw from the market.

Whether you need useful electrical items to get those Christmas lights up and working, Christmas wreaths and decorations, outdoor clothing for those winter walks to lose the pounds put on over the holiday season, beautiful jewellery and scarves, books, pet supplies (because we mustn't for get a little something for them too over the festive period), something for the man in your life, car cleaning products and lots more - you'll find all this and more on the market.

You can be assured of personal service..
Market shopping gives a more personal way of shopping, to traders you are not just a number, we like to get to know our customers and enjoy a friendly chat with them. No high pressure salesmanship just a great atmosphere in which to shop!

There's no better place to shop for fresh produce..
Everyone wants the freshest fruit and vegetables, not just at Christmas but all year round and at Sheringham Market you'll find lots of choice in this department, there is also a fish stall and butcher.

Fancy a snack while you shop..

Visit the Tea Wagon for great burgers, hotdogs, chips, fresh filled rolls and a nice hot beverage to warm you up while you browse the stalls. There is also a Fish and Chip van at the end of the market, so one thing is for sure, you won't go hungry!

Merry Christmas from Sheringham Market!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Sheringham Steam Gala Weekend

Well it's been a mixed summer at Sheringham market with the weather conditions but September has brought with it some sunshine and warmth which is great because this upcoming weekend (3rd-5th September) is Sheringham Steam Gala with visiting locomotives and special events.

You'll find the twice weekly Sheringham Market on Station Road car park Saturday all year round and Wednesday (seasonal until end October, begins again spring 2011)

You'll find lots to buy at the market including fresh produce, clothing, jewellery, pet supplies, pictures, car cleaning products, handbags, shoes, books and a whole lot more...

So if you are planning to visit the North Norfolk Coast any time soon, make Sheringham part of your plan!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Great Stalls every week at Sheringham Market













If you are looking for a shopping experience which means no queues, easy parking, friendly service, fresh produce and affordable products look no further than Sheringham Market. Above is just a selection of the stalls you will find at the market every week, there is lots more to see.

On every Saturday throughout the year, and Wednesdays too from the end of March in time for the Easter holidays.

Sheringham Railway Line

Work is currently underway on the new rail line extension at Sheringham which will officially be opened on March 11 by Pete Waterman.

This means it will be even easier for shoppers to stop off and visit the great Sheringham Market which takes place every Saturday throughout the year. The Wednesday market starts again at the end of March in time for the Easter break.

Sheringham Market boasts a huge array of stalls selling fresh produce, everyday necessities, gifts, plants and lots more. Scroll down the page to see some of the stalls and to find out what's on offer.

Affordable items every week and a friendly atmosphere in this beautiful coastal town.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Station Road Toilets in Sheringham

The Station Road public toilets in Sheringham have been given an overhaul. This might not sound that exciting but for the Market traders and for people who get off the bus or train, it's really quite important!

For years the toilets have been left to get old and unpleasant to use. Cold water to wash your hands in is both unhygienic and in mid winter really horrible. The cubicles were smelly, the doors often broken and not shutting properly and the wash basins too small with only a cold water tap to wash with.

Thankfully all that has changed now with newly fitted doors, toilets and sink units including hot running water at last. Now we won't have to be embarrassed when we stand in the queue in summer hearing visitors to this wonderful Norfolk seaside town complaining about the state of the loos.

Visit Sheringham Market every Saturday throughout the year and from Spring, Wednesdays too!