Ledbury's Charter Market could move from the Market House

The market, which takes place every Tuesday and Saturday, has been held underneath the Market House since 1617.

But with a new town square close to completion over the road at St Katherine’s car park, the town council is reviewing its options.

Landscaping of the area near The Master's House is nearing completion (Image: NQ)

There are concerns that moving the market will mean losing the stalls Ledbury already has.

But others are excited at the possibilities a new town square will open up.

Town clerk Angie Price said no decision has been made as to whether Ledbury Town Council will take over the new space at St Katherine’s and that the next step is to meet with Herefordshire Council estates officers.

Liz Harvey is excited at the possibilities the new town square will bring

“There has been some discussion about the area possibly being used for the market and town events, however this would involve consultation with market traders before any decisions were to be taken,” she said.

“Market traders who have been attending Ledbury for many years have expressed an unwillingness to move from the Market House and this will be taken into consideration in any decision.

“The council is currently developing a Markets Strategy and the area at St Katherine’s will be looked at as part of this strategy for the future.”

Cllr Liz Harvey, the ward member for the area, said: “After waiting far too long, we have the imminent prospect of the landscaped square finally being brought into public use, at the same time enhancing the setting of The Master’s House - one of the most important historical buildings in the county.

“Having a new and flexible space available in the heart of the town for events and for community use is to be welcomed.

Ewen Sinclair is worried that moving the market will mean losing traders (Image: Ledbury Town Council)

“It is entirely up for debate as to how that space is used, and it is quite right that the town council - just like other local groups - considers how this space might be used to best effect.”

Cllr Ewen Sinclair, in an email sent to councillors seen by the Ledbury Reporter, said: “If we try to move the Charter Market from the High Street to a car park, there is a danger we lose the stalls we have.”

He said moving the market means traders would lose out on High Street footfall.

Tony Bradford has concerns over moving the Charter Market

“I'm not averse to change, as long as it is an improvement,” he added. “Moving to the car park certainly isn't an improvement.”

Cllr Tony Bradford said it “would be sensible to phase any decision-making on location until there are more traders and ensure they are happy”.

“Have success criteria for each stage, otherwise we are throwing taxpayers money after a dream,” he suggested, such as ensuring there are at least 12 established traders on each market day.