Leighton Buzzard’s historic market challenged by ‘trading headwinds’
Concerns over challenges facing Leighton Buzzard town centre and its historic market are set to be discussed at a town council meeting on Thursday (September 10).
A draft market strategy is to be considered by the council in a bid to tackle “trading headwinds” and increasing shop vacancies on the High Street.
The council’s partnership committee will also consider a motion tabled by Independent Leighton Linslade West councillor, Victoria Harvey, who said she feared the Tuesday market might not survive into the future unless changes were made.
The motion cites the closure of banks and lack of a heritage or visitor centre as reasons people are not visiting Leighton Buzzard. A lack of community and cultural venues, and health facilities in the town centre were also highlighted.
Her motion states: “Reversing the decline of the Tuesday market and supporting the High Street is a priority for this committee. This committee recommends Central Beds Council and Leighton-Linslade Town Council that all measures to help the Tuesday market and the High Street are urgently pursued.
“This committee also asks CBC and LLTC to: revisit the traffic regulation order for the High Street, introducing buses there on a Tuesday; consider supporting fresh food stalls financially; create a range of activities to increase footfall on Tuesdays in term-time, as well as holidays; update and reprint the A6 directory of local shops and cafes, restaurants and services; and support efforts of community groups.”
Councillor Harvey previously raised concerns after a town council meeting voted to increase fees for traders at weekends by 10 per cent, which impacted on trade.
The market strategy sets out “how the market will continue to thrive between 2026 and 2031 by responding to changing consumer habits, the evolving high street and the town’s changing demographics, while retaining the character and heritage that make the market distinctive.”
It highlights a focus on “attracting new traders, increasing footfall, diversifying the offer and improving the overall visitor experience. These priorities will be supported by stronger digital marketing, community engagement and closer partnership working with traders, residents, town centre businesses and other stakeholders.”
But it admits the Tuesday market “has experienced a decline in trader attendance and enquiries, while Saturday has gained renewed momentum”.
A report to the committee states: “Traditionally, the twice weekly Tuesday and Saturday market would have attracted similar numbers of traders and visitors. In recent years, the Tuesday market has fared less favorably when compared to the Saturday market.
“Factors including the closure of at least 6 mainstream banks and the loss of an anchor tenant in Wilkinson have contributed to the weekday decline. The decision of an established fruit and veg stall (who traded on reputation) to retire and sell their business has not helped either.”
A consultation revealed 45 per cent of people who responded do not currently shop at the market regularly — rising to 66 per cent for the under 44s. But 75 per cent said they would be more likely to attend if there were more seating, entertainment and food.
Meanwhile, 80 per cent of traders agree that more seating, music and entertainment would benefit the market.
The strategy sets out 10 key issues - including making the market safe and inclusive, supporting traders and encouraging more young traders to get involved.
It calls on town centre businesses to work on joint premotions with market traders - and for the town council to be mindful of the impact policy can have.
An online booking system for traders is listed as an 'immediate priority' - along with targeted recruitment and outreach to increase the number of stalls.