THERE might be a certain inevitability that, when a Continental market is introduced to Marlborough, the chamber of commerce would throw its hands up in horror, protesting about the unwelcome competition to our member businesses from external traders who are not bound by the same rules and regulations.

Having been personally involved with the decision by the Marlborough Area Development Trust to try out the market in Marlborough, I was able to recommend to the chamber of commerce that there might be great benefits to the town, and even its businesses, because of the expected influx of visitors. The chamber therefore has taken an open-minded view on the matter.

Now that the trial has taken place, we are very disappointed with the result.

Although the market was held on what turned out to be a very poor trading day, the influx of visitors did not materialise, and the standard and selection of goods on offer was generally low.

If the event had been as widely publicised as the circus, how different it might have all been.

In spite of very careful consideration by MADT as to the location of the market, the south side of the High Street was, with hindsight, not the best place.

The chamber felt that a large space, such as the Parade, might give the market more prominence, and have less impact on adjacent businesses, rather than squeezing a mediocre market into a busy High Street.

If this idea is to work, it may require much more commitment from the town, and particularly from the promoting company.

Unless the markets are taken seriously, it is likely that they will only produce bad headlines.

ANTHONY WELLS

President Marlborough Chamber

of Commerce