Street Parish Council has recently assumed responsibility for managing the weekly Street Market, held every Thursday, as part of Somerset Council’s initiative to devolve assets and services to local communities. This approach aims to enhance public service delivery and empower residents through local stewardship.
While Street Market does not operate under a historic Market Charter, the Parish Council has asserted its market rights under Part III of the Food Act 1984. To ensure smooth operations and foster growth, two dedicated Market Officers, Matt and Craig, have been appointed. Their goal is to oversee weekly activities and cultivate the Market into a sustainable, thriving hub for the local community.
Despite being relatively young compared to neighbouring markets, Street Market has already developed a unique character, highlighted by an array of street food vendors and speciality traders. Working closely with the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) and local stallholders, the Market Officers are reviewing the current offerings and formulating a clear strategic vision for the market’s future direction.
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To support these developments, the Parish Council plans to engage actively with traders and residents, introducing essential improvements like new signage to increase market visibility and to alert drivers of High Street closures on market days. A formal review will be conducted after six months to assess performance and inform the creation of a comprehensive Market Strategy to guide future expansion and enhancements.
Street Parish Council is dedicated to maintaining the High Street as a lively and welcoming space for traders, residents, and visitors alike. With this new model of management, the Council aims to strengthen the Market’s appeal and implement initiatives that benefit the entire community.
Bryan Knickerbocker, Chair of Street Parish Council, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to take on the management of Street Market. This is a wonderful opportunity to enhance a key part of our High Street’s identity and ensure it continues to thrive for years to come. We look forward to collaborating closely with traders and residents to make the market even better.”