WILTSHIRE Council’s proposal to fine market traders for non-attendance in stormy conditions seems, to say the least, a little heavy-handed.
With internet trading producing increasing variety at attractive prices and traditional market operators retiring without a new generation following, we need to re-think our strategy for markets. 
The unitary authority provided a series of lock-up stalls in the indoor market but policy here seems to have gone astray with operators either abandoning or not renewing leases and traditional operators forced out, never to return.
It would seem that, far from demanding penalties from traders, we need a regime which offers incentives for attendance and encourages newcomers. 
The model seems broken at the moment and needs fixing.
NIGEL CARTER
Great Western Close
Devizes