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Hundreds turn out for meeting to support Cambridge market




The first ever public meeting of the Friends of Cambridge Market heard an outpouring of support for the market and calls for it to remain in place.

Traders organised the meeting following concerns that Greater Cambridge Partnership had employed consultants to outline possible uses for the market, including making it a space for outdoor events

More than a hundred people turned up to the meeting in Great St Mary’s Church on Monday (January 7) where the market was described as ‘the beating heart’ of the city.

Glenys Self in Cambridge Market . Picture: Keith Heppell. (6272962)
Glenys Self in Cambridge Market . Picture: Keith Heppell. (6272962)

Trader Glenys Self, who launched Friends of Cambridge Market, said: “I was delighted with the amount of people who turned out to support the market. I want there to be a big conversation about its future where everyone is heard - traders, shoppers, students and residents -and this was a good start. The market belongs to us all.

“I do want to see the market improved - especially around cleaning and drainage - but it needs to be done sympathetically and without forcing the market stalls to move while the refurbishment happens. Because that would kill the market.”

There were concerns expressed about the way the market square was currently cared for by the city council.

One trader said they had to clean out their stall every day with Dettol because the square is “used as a public toilet” at night.

The newly formed Friends of Cambridge Market gather with Glenys Self (centre). Picture: Keith Heppell. (6418647)
The newly formed Friends of Cambridge Market gather with Glenys Self (centre). Picture: Keith Heppell. (6418647)

Lewis Herbert, leader of Cambridge City Council, said there were discussions going on about how to improve the cleanliness of the square, as well as disabled access and lighting. He said, however, there needed to be some hard decisions and that removing the cobbles from the square might be necessary to facilitate cleaning.

Cllr Herbert said: “Part of the reason it is grimy is it is not easy to clean. If people want to keep the cobbles, that is part of the issue.”



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