Further to recent local discussion about the shops in Carshalton High Street, Jill, Alan and Hamish have been asked for their opinions as the local councillors on a possible Carshalton Market in The Grove Park by the East Pond walkway. We would be interested to hear of residents’ views on this matter.
For a map click on: proposed site plan
This idea is being promoted by Eco-Local, a local charity. Having visited several sites, Eco-Local concluded that the ‘driveway’ (now only used as a footpath) along the side of the East Pond would be the best location. Stalls could be located on the grass allowing the majority of the tarmac path width (approx 4m) available for pedestrians, and suitable for emergency access.
The site is bounded by a thick yew hedge providing a natural pedestrian safety barrier along the pond. The site does not impinge on park areas where children play. The market would be visible to drivers and bus passengers approaching Carshalton along Pound Street and North Street. The site is easily accessible from the High Street, and offers the opportunity to ‘extend’ the high street. Vehicle access is possible from the car park for stall holders to set up and take down.
Vehicle movement in the park would be carefully managed. Eco-Local say that they have several years experience of managing vehicle movement in the pedestrianised Sutton High Street for the Sutton Produce and Craft Market. The site easily accommodates 10 stalls and is level As the site is well off the public highway, the market would be able to operate without a trading licence, saving the market significant costs in the long term. Eco-Local advise us that they now have 5 stalls confirmed they would like to attend and several others interested.
Dear Councillors,
I am very much in favour of a street market in Carshalton but why such a distance away from the High Street? All the independent shops are struggling to survive in the current financial climate so it makes no sense to position a venture, which should attract extra footfall to the village, away from the local traders. Position it in Beacon Grove, where there are coffee shops, a new greengrocer and small specialist businesses all around it, to support the local shopping community.
As for trading licenses surely it is only fair that they should contribute as others in the High St do, especially as they could pull trade away from those who have no choice but to pay?
Dear Chris Davis
Thanks. The proposal from Eco-Local (not councillors) is for The Grove Park to be used for the market for reasons stated by Eco-Local as were explained in the web site posting. The Beacon Grove location you suggested is not big enough for the market particularly if it expands in the future. The current proposal is for 10 stalls as per the plan as per the link on our web site posting which would not fit in with Beacon Grove and overflow stalls could go further in to The Grove Park. There was also a worry of opposition from traders if indeed Beacon Grove was big enough. If licences are trequired under the current rules they will be applied for. I am not sure that licences are required as the proposed site is off the highway.
Best wishes
Hamish