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Created: 09 August 2024

Market days in Erewash are getting a boost from the council – with the launch of a new campaign to tempt shoppers to our town centres.

The much-loved outdoor markets are part of what makes the borough special but need more people to use them.

The council is on a mission to get them thriving again like in the old days – not least by attracting new stallholders.

Erewash council Deputy Leader Becca Everett, who is Lead Member for Community Engagement, said:

“Our traditional markets remain the heartbeats of our towns – and continue to be a major draw for shoppers.

 “We are urging residents to support them. And it is lovely to see the markets packed with local people and visitors like in their heyday. It also brings a welcome boost for nearby shops.”

Ilkeston Market is on Thursdays and Saturdays. Long Eaton’s is on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

A town hall drive to get more traders opening stalls is being backed by a logo which incorporates a heart design – stressing how market-goers love the shopping experience as they check out all the wares on display.

Full information, including how to apply for a stall, is on the Erewash Borough Council website here: Markets (erewash.gov.uk)

Erewash is backing a new nationwide campaign to encourage young traders and entrepreneurs. It has been launched by the National Market Traders’ Federation. Details are here: NMTF | Young Traders Market

Faith Waddington, 50, has maintained a popular plant stall at Ilkeston’s market for 30 years. Standing amid a riot of late summer blooms, she said: “I have regular customers who get off the bus each day and make a beeline for me.”

Asked how she keeps her plants looking so healthy, the gran grinned: “A lot of hard work. It also helps that I just love flowers.”

Steve Whilde told how his nearby confectionery stall had been in the family for more than four decades – which is all his life. His late dad Peter Whilde was a popular character, who was still selling sweets, cakes and biscuits in his 80s.

Steve, 45, said: “Everyone loved my dad, who was 87 when he sadly died in January. I used to help mum and dad on the stall before I took over from them. I can tell you it is still a magnet for children.”

Outside Ilkeston’s library Russell Wright mans the butchers stall on Thursdays and Saturdays. He also trades at Long Eaton Market on Fridays – travelling from near Cannock in Staffordshire.

Russell, 60, said: “It would be great to see more traders. We’ve been here for 14 years and do all right, selling loads of everything – sausages, beef and steak.”