Residents in Marlborough have prompted a debate about whether the market should be taken back under the control of the town council, or whether they should continue to be managed by Wiltshire Council. 

At the Annual Town Meeting last week, one resident suggested Marlborough's markets should be managed by the town council, to help with regeneration and boost visitor numbers. 

Kaz Batty, owner of Kaz’s Kitchen, trades at the markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays. 

She said: “I think the market needs more traders and some advertising.

“The weather has been awful, so the market has been quiet and slow. It definitely needs a boost.” 

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Marlborough councillor Caroline Thomas said: “I would like to see if we can encourage more traders to offer a wider choice to residents and visitors. If Marlborough Town Council has control, we might be able to offer incentives.

"It has a very long history, so is part of the town’s heritage and character, and it offers everyone an alternative to the supermarkets, in variety and cost", she added.

Marlborough Town Mayor Nicholas Fogg said: “I would be in favour of local control which could be crucial for its regeneration.

“I’m not criticising the people who organise the market - they do the job to the best of their ability - but if Marlborough Town Council were the sole operators, it would give greater incentives to recruit new stallholders and extend the range. 

Wiltshire councillor Tamara Reay said: “At this time we have not received a formal request from Marlborough Town Council for the transfer of control of the town market. There is a formal process for any asset or service transfer and we would be happy to discuss with Marlborough Town Council should they submit a formal request.

"Wiltshire's markets are an integral part of the local community and provide an assortment of goods, from antiques, carpets and clothing to fresh fruit and vegetables. Each of our towns has something different to offer residents and visitors and we are keen to work with town councils on their priorities for their towns.

"As part of this, we are investing £1m a year until 2025 via our Wiltshire Towns Programme. This is funding a variety of projects to attract visitors to Wiltshire’s high streets and support town centres to be more vibrant places to spend time, with markets playing a key role in this.”