By Gillian Ellison

Last updated at 11:38, Thursday, 14 June 2012

CUT price market stalls in Whitehaven – for just £10 – are being offered by Copeland Council.

It is part of a national event to encourage people to use their local market and revitalise their town centre.

The council is looking for those who are keen to try retail but want to avoid the overheads associated with premises as well as those who want to try something new.

Whitehaven is one of over 300 markets taking part in the national Love Your Local Market campaign inspired by Mary Portas’ report on the future of high streets.

It takes place over a fortnight between June 23 and July 8 and is backed by the Government, and the Markets Alliance.

In Whitehaven, Copeland Council is offering new market traders the chance to have a pitch on the market during the period for £10. The council is also arranging insurance cover for those who set up a pitch.

Normally the stalls are £15 for regular market traders and £22 for casual traders, with insurance costs on top.

Coun Phil Greatorex, portfolio holder for regeneration said: “Town centres are a vital part of the heartbeat of the economy and communities right across the country, and Copeland is no different. We know that both town centres and markets have suffered in recent years, so we are pleased to support this campaign to help encourage entrepreneurs and shoppers to exploit the unique opportunity of market trading.

“We hope a number of people will take us up on the offer and come along and pitch their stall. I would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch so that we can make this happen and help make Love Your Local Market fortnight the start of a renaissance for markets.”

The council is keen to attract not only traditional market sellers, but also those who make goods at home who would like to try a new opportunity to sell these.

For more information on the campaign or to book a pitch, please call Copeland Borough Council on 0845 054 8600.

First published at 11:09, Thursday, 14 June 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk