1. Introduction
1.1 Cumberland is located in the north and west of Cumbria. Its population is largely concentrated in Carlisle, Workington, Maryport, Whitehaven and Cockermouth. Keswick, located in the Lake District National Park, is a further key service centre and popular visitor destination. The north of the former Allerdale and Copeland areas are predominantly rural areas with small villages and the principal market towns of Aspatria, Silloth and Wigton, Egremont and Cleator Moor.
1.2 Cumberland Council (“the Council”) recognises the important contribution that markets make to the local economy and the character of the area. They remain an important Council service and contribute in a number of ways to the local communities they serve.
1.3 The Council's markets (which are described in more detail in Section 4 of this markets policy) represent an important investment by the Council in delivering economic regeneration and town centre vitality.
1.4 The Council is committed to maintaining the balance of markets throughout the region and ensure there is consistency in the way markets are operated. Accordingly, the Council has decided to implement a markets policy which sets out the basis upon which markets are held and the process by which applications for markets shall be considered (“the Markets Policy”).
1.5 The Council recognises that there are many different types of market activities and, accordingly, the Markets Policy is intended to cater for each type. In particular, the Markets Policy distinguishes between commercial markets and those that are largely community-based with a strong charitable element. Section 5 of the Markets Policy deals with the different types of market activities and sets out the Council's approach when considering applications in respect of such markets.
1.6 During the process of formulating the Markets Policy the Council has consulted the following organisations:
- Cumbria Police
- National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA)
- National Market Traders Federation (NMTF)