Information on Loughborough

Loughborough Market Cancelled

Posted on 31/01/2008
P. Klein

An empty Market Place on market day in Loughborough (31st January 2007)

Some traders are defying the cold, wet and blustery conditions to provide a limited Loughborough Market for shoppers today (Thursday, 31st January 2008).

Gusts of up to 50 miles per hour forced Charnwood Borough Council to postpone the full market in the early hours of the morning.

However a number of traders whose income comes from Loughborough’s Market are selling their perishable goods such as fresh fruit and vegetables from the backs of their vans and stalls with no covers in the town’s Market Place but a full service is not available due to the strong winds.

Today’s wintery conditions mean it is the second time in the space of three weeks that the weather has prevented a full market from taking place.

However, shoppers will still be able to buy fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and flowers throughout the day.

It is not all bad news however. InLoughborough spoke to a couple of shop owners today and the view was that they were slightly busier for a market day. One shop owner said: “We think it is because people are coming in to get away from the cold weather and find what they need from us rather than from the Market”.

The Loughborough Echo seller in the Market Place not doing much trade.

Mick Jackson, Charnwood Borough Council’s Markets and Fairs Manager, said: “With winds of up to 50 miles per hour forecast throughout the day, we’ve reluctantly had to call the full market off.

“We always try to ensure the full market goes ahead but the when the winds are so strong, there is very little we can do.

“The health and safety of Council staff putting up and taking down the stalls, traders and visitors to the Market has to take priority.”

Charnwood Borough Council officers will be keeping a close eye on the forecast but it is hoped that the weather will improve so Loughborough’s Saturday Market will still go ahead as planned.