There’s something about local markets that feels timeless. The smell of fresh bread, the chatter between traders and customers, and the sense of community that hangs in the air make them feel like more than just places to shop.
Ellesmere Port Market once thrived on this atmosphere, but now, those bustling days seem further away.
Traders are still there, standing behind their stalls, but the footfall is fading – and it’s not just because of changing shopping habits.
The slow decline of the market isn’t inevitable; it’s avoidable.
The problem isn’t the traders, their products, or even the community’s interest – it’s the lack of attention from local government, paired with small but impactful obstacles like parking.
At Ellesmere Port Market, it costs just 85 pence to park for an hour. In the grand scheme of things, that’s hardly a bank-breaking fee.
The issue isn’t the price – it’s the principle. Why would anyone pay 85 pence to park at Ellesmere Port Market when just down the road at Cheshire Oaks, they can park for free and browse without the hassle? It’s not a huge fee, but small inconveniences like this can make all the difference.
When free parking is an option elsewhere, the market inevitably loses out.
Butcher Mike Moulsdale, who has been trading at the market for decades, puts it simply:
“It’s not a lot of money, but it’s the principle. A lot of places you can go shopping to in the area don’t charge. You might say, oh it’s only 85p, but if you’ve got the convenience of going somewhere else with not having to pay, then you’ll go elsewhere. Next time you’ve got to make a decision on where to shop, it’s a cross against coming to Ellesmere Port.”
Graham Strange, a TV repairman working just a few stalls away, echoes the same frustration.
“Get in your car and go to Cheshire Oaks and find somewhere to park in that massive free car park, then spend half an hour walking round,” he says.
“You’ll think, wow, this is busy here. Then try to mirror that in this place. All the rich ones in their Audis, their BMWs, their Mercs – parking’s free for them. And for the pensioners who come here, you charge them. It’s mad.”
The stark contrast between Ellesmere Port Market and nearby retail giants like Cheshire Oaks highlights the challenge. For many shoppers, free and convenient parking is a deciding factor.
When faced with the choice, the ease of a retail park can overshadow the charm and personal service that markets offer. And while traders continue to provide quality and community, the barriers put in place – however small – continue to push potential customers elsewhere.
Chester, just down the road, proudly waves the flag for independent businesses.
The city centre boasts charming rows of unique shops, local cafés, and market days that draw visitors from all over. The council leans into this identity, promoting Chester as a place where independent businesses thrive.
Yet, somehow, Ellesmere Port sits in the shadow of this progress. While Chester’s traders are celebrated, Ellesmere Port’s market traders feel left behind, left to fend for themselves as footfall dwindles and their pleas for more support go unanswered.
Mike Moulsdale, the market’s butcher, has been around long enough to see how things have changed. The market “isn’t what it used to be,” he admits.
Competition from supermarkets and online retailers is tough, but Mike believes Ellesmere Port Market still has potential – if only the council would pay attention.
Markets like Ellesmere Port aren’t just places to buy and sell. They’re woven into the fabric of the community.
For many elderly residents, the market is a social space, a place to catch up with familiar faces. For families, it’s a way to shop locally and support traders they know by name. It’s personal, in a way that no supermarket can replicate.
That’s why the lack of urgency from local government feels so frustrating.
Redevelopment plans for the market have been on hold, leaving traders in limbo, wondering whether to invest in their stalls or prepare for the worst.
They wait, watching as Chester’s streets bustle with life and wondering why Ellesmere Port doesn’t deserve the same energy and investment.
It wouldn’t take much to breathe life back into Ellesmere Port Market.
Free parking for an hour could be a simple but effective start. Events, live music, or food festivals could transform the market into a destination once again. It’s not a lack of ideas – it’s a lack of action.
The longer the market is left to drift, the harder it will be to pull it back. The traders are ready, the community is willing – but the council needs to meet them halfway.
Ellesmere Port Market still has a pulse, but without government support, that pulse will fade.
The challenges faced by Ellesmere Port Market highlight a wider issue – hospitality and independent businesses are often left out of the conversation when it comes to government support.
While sectors like retail parks thrive with free parking and investment, markets that serve as the heart of local communities are left to decline.
It’s time for local councils to recognise the value these markets bring and take simple but meaningful steps to ensure they not only survive but thrive.
If you’re passionate about hospitality and want to explore these topics further, then come along to our next conference The Art of Hospitality that talks all things hospitality, hosted in January!
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