KNUTSFORD business people packed into last night’s (Monday) meeting of the town council to show their support for the monthly Makers Market.

Town centre residents have voiced concerns over parking and emergency access on market day, but following a discussion councillors agreed not to make any changes to the current market arrangements.

A report to the meeting said alternative parking/parking passes were provided for residents in other locations during Makers Market day.

It added that emergency services said they could carry out their work in the market area in an emergency, and the council had prepared an agreement with the market organisers to respond to residents’ concerns.

Knutsford Guardian:

Knutsford Makers Market

Peter Murray from Pulse of Perfumery said any town in the UK would ‘give its right arm’ for Knutsford’s ‘wonderful vibrancy and fantastic togetherness’.

He said: “This is an amazing place to be and to live. Melanie and I live here, we have a business here, we stuck our roots in this town. We love it.”

Cha Bar owner Rachael Mayhew said: “The Makers Markets are not just good for my business, they are amazing for our amazing town.

“For people to try to stop them for any reason, I just feel it’s bizarre.”

Stephen Blanchard said: “I have been a resident in Knutsford for 25 years, and only last year moved into the town centre.

“I have friends who come from all over every month to the Makers Market. Stop it and you will upset an awful lot of people.

“I’m a resident and I’m affected by parking, congestion and noise. Plan around it, get around it and just enjoy life.”

Kate Baldry, who trades on the Makers Market said: “It’s a flagship market, and the one with the longest waiting list from a traders perspective to get onto.

“Our town is buzzing one Sunday a month, it brings people in, they use the businesses and we need to keep our High Street working.”

Steph Trafford from the market hall café said: “The Makers Market is a fantastic event in the town, and brings in many visitors who would not normally come to the town.

“It increases footfall massively, and provides a lifeline for us and many businesses in the town.”

Cllr Andrew Malloy said: “The overwhelming feedback I have seen and heard and read on social media in the paper is that there has been massive support for the Makers Market.”

Cllr Christine Gray said: “We have gone out of our way to allay the fears and concerns of our residents – that’s terribly important to do so.”