ALTONÕS Tuesday market looks set to relocate to the High Street.

Keen to secure a brighter future for its regular traders and to encourage new blood, members of Alton Town CouncilÕs policy and resources committee have taken the bull by the horns and given the go-ahead for a move which will see the traditional Market Square exchanged for a more central location.

Councillors have agreed to grant a licence to Alton Initiatives Management Ltd (AIM) to take over the running of the market in the High Street on a six-month trial basis from September 3.

Convinced that it will be able to treble the size of the existing market within the first six weeks, AIM Ltd proposes to appoint Southern Market Traders Co-operative (SMT) to carry out the transfer and to operate the market on the companyÕs behalf.

It is a bold step but one which Alton councillors believe should be given everyoneÕs best shot. The Market Square, they believe, is too small an area to host a flourishing and viable market and the move could be the impetus needed to take it forward into the 21st century.

ÒWhile we obviously have some reservations about it leaving the Market Square, unless we, as a council, are prepared to invest time, money and resources to develop the market it wonÕt grow. If the AIM team feel it will be more successful in the High Street then let them try,Ó said ATC leader Dave Crocker.

Members heard that following consultation with the marketÕs existing traders, all were in favour of moving into the High Street and most had agreed to a six-month trial, although some felt it to be too short.

There was some reservation, however, about the market being run by SMT, with two traders saying they would not stay if the co-operative was to take over - in fact, there was a suggestion that the market be run by the existing traders.

The proposal is for the market to be located between the entrance to Lady Place car park (opposite Somerfield) and Turk Street, with that section of the High Street being closed to traffic from 6 am, when the market will be setting up, to closing down time, put at 3-30 pm in the winter and 4 pm in the summer.

It will be up to AIM to negotiate the street closure with East Hampshire District Council and to provide a traffic plan to Hampshire Constabulary. The bus companies will be made aware of the closure through EHDC and will be given an alternative route, as will taxi drivers.

A consultation process is to be put in place with shop managers and residents in the area where the market is to operate with a letter advising of the move and inviting replies on special needs, delivery access, and any other objections they may have.

This will be followed on Wednesday, July 31, by an open meeting between relevant traders, SMT and AIM to address concerns with a view to minimising disruption. A regular forum will be established to monitor the situation and keep dialogue open, and a market manager is expected to be on site at all times.

SMT has agreed to ensure that stalls selling similar goods to shops will be positioned an appropriate distance away.

According to AIM manager Gail Grant: ÒInitial assessment indicates minimal conflict, as the market will provide stalls enhancing the shopping experience by making up for the large selection of banks, building societies, estate agents, charity shops and professional service offices in that section of the High Street.Ó

SMT is to be responsible for putting up and collecting road barriers and traffic diversion signs and is to negotiate with adjacent property owners regarding storage of bins. It is also said to be willing to provide a free pitch for a charity stall each week and will be prepared to give financial help with the rent to any new business within the Alton postcode area wishing to start trading on the market.

ÒAs licence holder AIM would have overall responsibility for ensuring SMT manages the market effectively and works with retailers in the best interests of Alton,Ó confirmed Mrs Grant who, as town centre manager in Waterlooville is responsible for a market in excess of 90 pitches and is said to be used to dealing with market operators, including SMT.

In order that, as current market operator ATC is not out of pocket during the trial period, it has been agreed that AIM Ltd will pay a fee of £4,000 to the council.

Alton Town Council is to monitor the market situation closely and will review the situation after the trial period to determine the best way forward.

r Having granted a licence for a Continental Market on December 19, but only for the Market Square, Alton Town CouncilÕs P & R committee has been persuaded to agree instead the use of the High Street. The decision to relent on the High Street issue follows an appeal by AIM manager, Gail Grant, who pointed out that the Continental Market will be bringing a full contingency of 35 stalls which would be too much for the Market Square.