Derbyshire Times and the new market

 https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/no-other-town-boasts-a-market-like-this-chesterfield-market-reopens-and-traders-return-as-first-phase-of-multi-million-pound-revitalisation-completed-5044885?fbclid=IwY2xjawJKO3JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHf1AJVG5Io42TcSpQZqZQA1kBOdpTIuPbUTbEszJVd335FyBbNc7pTr2Pw_aem_QUAyl40aTIrEWeflbmygKg#uacpdapbz2qxvbhxqcwjeh0l6v0toyce

Brand new market stalls are just great

After months of discussion and waiting and hard work the first phase of the new market has gone live and is open for business.

New stalls, new canopies, guttering, lighting, new paving as well as levelled cobbles - it looks stunning.

Of course there are those who will moan and grumble, but they are wrong. The new market is a huge enhancement to the town and we should be pleased with the outcome.

Next Thursday my own Brockwell Books will occupy its stall opposite the cardfactory and Primark and I can’t wait.

What are the benefits: 

* The stalls are new and the coverings fresh

* The lighting is not intrusive and can be varied

* The stall is stronger than before and has a huge scope for innovation by traders

* The large overhang and guttering means no more dripping down your neck as a customer

* New benches and a cleaner public space

* And the space is generous and open showing off the pump, the market hall and the square itself.

So what else does it need? In short, just one thing: you, the customers. Please if you do nothing else in Chesterfield this summer bring your friends and family - jigsaws, pet food, guitars, duvets and throws, jewellery, and more besides.

This is a new market we can all get behind - traders have worked closely and long with the Council and discussion has been heated. But now, it’s open with phase one complete - please can you do your bit and come down and support the market. No other town boasts a market like this every Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Every day has different stalls and every market day has a varied atmosphere - come and use it.

One last thing - if you are a new trader or haven’t stood on Chesterfield Market before then get in touch. I started 8 years ago and have loved it - hopefully with years more to come.

Questions to next council

 To ask what progress the Council has made in changing forever the patching of road failures, pothole and poor surfaces and moving to a scheme of fixed first time and long lasting road re-surfacing capable of facing the wet and wild weather we experience each year?

Can I welcome the opening of the Spire Lodge for children with significant disabilities and complex learning needs. Such a facility is needed. But to ask how the public can trust the County Council over the opening of new facilities when we are in process of closing down superb facilities and care homes such as Ada Belfield Centre. Aren’t we being seen as quite literally giving with one hand whilst taking away with the other? 

The Derbyshire Makes Festival runs from 28th March to 27th April 2025, and is a three year programme of cultural activity across 6 distinct hubs. How confident is the Council that it has truly harnessed the creative and artistic traditions of Derbyshire and what lessons have been documented and learnt thus far that might enhance future years of a festival such as this?

I have repeatedly raised the issue of suicide and attempted suicide in this chamber on a number of occasions over the last four years. This is the last meeting of this full Council of this elected quadrennium. What progress has been made to make pedestrian bridges in Chesterfield safer and less open as black spots for such terrible occasions and locations of trauma?