New home for expanded market proves hit with shoppers

THE newly expanded and relocated Ponteland market proved a hit with shoppers on its first day of trading.

The traditional farmers' market, which has been held in the Memorial Hall for the past 10 years, has been turned into a general outdoor retail market and moved to Merton Way. It has also moved days from a Saturday morning to full day Friday.

The first market on August 27 saw 11 stalls trading goods ranging from clothes to jewellery, cakes, fish and farm produce.

Ponteland Mayor Robin Ramsay visited the market and said it had got off to a very promising start: "It has really made the place come alive and the response from traders has been magnificent. "I understand more have already expressed an interest in coming next month. It is early days but it looks like this is proving a much more popular timing and venue for the market, and expanding the variety of stalls has obviously helped." The revamped market will be held on the fourth Friday of each month, from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Ian Lindley, county council executive member for neighbourhood services, said: "I was very pleased that the new format for this market worked so well, and that it was positively received by the local community."

The next market is being held on Friday October 22.

For more information contact Markets Manager Keith Gray at

keith.gray@northumberland.gov.uk or call 01434 652419.

Source: Pont News & Views Page 9