by Gráinne Connolly
Strabane's monthly market is being relocated to Butcher Street Car Park.
The move will mark the first anniversary of the food and craft market coming to the town, after it first opened last year in the Courtyard of the Alley Theatre.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh has welcomed the relocation of the market.
He says it will allow more stall holders to participate and increase the chances of passing trade:
“The Strabane Market has proved a huge hit with the public since it first opened in April 2017 offering a wide array of quality products and appealing to a wide variety of shoppers.
“The success of the market has meant more and more local artisan traders and crafts people want to get involved and I am pleased the move the Butcher Street Car Park will allow Council to accommodate more of them.
“The new location also offers greater visibility from passing traffic which should increase passing trade and make it an even more vibrant addition to the town centre."
The market will be held on the last Friday of every month, starting on Friday 27th April and will run from 11am to 5pm.
The Strabane Market initiative is led by Derry City and Strabane District Council and is aimed at supporting local traders.
It forms part of Council’s commitment to identifying new opportunities to boost local business and the local economy to the benefit of everyone.
Markets Officer with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Nicolle Walters invited any local traders interested in showcasing their products at the market to make contact.
“We have been delighted with the public’s response to the Market over the last 12 months and they have responded positively to the wide and varied selection of artisan goods on offer."
“Council is committed to supporting local traders and identifying new opportunities to enhance the offering of our city and town centres in a way that will boost business and the local economy for everyone.
“We hope the success of the market will inspire other artisan traders in the area to also consider signing up.”
Council are taking applications from traders interested in taking part, trading opportunities are limited and traders will be subject to a selection process which will take into account the types of goods, their speciality nature, and previous experience.
Application forms and selection criteria can be obtained from http://www.derrystrabane.com/Subsites/Walled-City-Market/Get-Involved or by emailing-markets@derrystrabane.com or contacting Council’s Business Section on Tel: 02871 376 506.
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