Stopping BID closing Newbury's Artisan Market

One of the best markets in town is Newbury's Artisan Market, which brings life, character, and vibrant to local independent businesses for one day a month. Markets are a tradition of Newbury since Anglo-Saxon.

For me, this is part of my town where I want to live in. Many others believe that too, which you can easily see by the hundreds of people walking through the artisan market and 60 stands on the traders. 

 

 

 

However, it has been cancelled so far this year.

Last year, the monthly Artisan Market started in January. Now, it’s March, and the BID has yet to announce whether the market will start this year. 

Who Control's our Market?

The district in the centre of Newbury is controlled by the Business Improvement District (BID), which controls some markets. This was the idea of a previous national government, making a privately run, non-profit organisation. It is controlled by some businesses (but not all) and to revamp the street, they are in. 

Sound's good, right? But this is the problem.

The decision on some markets are offices and shops in a building. Not the community, not people living in our town, or traders in the market (even though many of them are local independent businesses). 

It is clear that the managers of the artisan market have been lobbying, since last year, for BID to restart Artisan Markets this year.

Seen here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DF5js4_ooqS/

The BID may say that they have not yet decided on this, however, not deciding is deciding - BID’s inaction has effectively cancelled the market for several months, something which negatively impacted many traders in our town. 
 
A Better Solution: Town Council Control

Newbury already has markets managed by the Town Council, including the Farmers' Market and the Charter Market (the Charters Market has been council-run since 1596!). Unlike BID, the Town Council is accountable to the public, meaning:

• Decisions are made for the benefit of the whole town—not just select businesses.
• The council can listen to traders, residents, and businesses, ensuring fair solutions.
• We all get a say—because we elect the council members who make these decisions. 

Sign the Petition – Take Back Our High Street!

I am calling for the Town Council to take over the Artisan Market and ensure it thrives for years to come. If you care about supporting local traders and keeping Newbury’s high street vibrant, please sign the petition today!