The Guild Dumfries are delighted to share the news that during the Nithsdale Area Commitee meeting this week, councillors from Dumfries & Galloway Council unanimously voted to make a change in the current procedure with regard to the Dumfries Town Centre Market. It was agreed by the council that a competitive process to choose a market operator or market operators was needed. This has been a long journey for both Kirsten and Leah. But we are both extremely proud of the campaigning we have done since January and have finally made change.
This new procedure will hopefully be a huge benefit to the town centre and its regeneration. After 15 years we hope that this change allows for diversity and opportunities whoever the market operator will be. The decision will now be based on a set of criteria, be advertised and also allow for more than one market to be held in the town centre on a Saturday.
The Guild Dumfries set a precedent when we made our application for a market licence back in April this year as it was the first time anyone had applied for the same day and location for a market in Dumfries town centre on a Saturday. We hope that the changes made of how to apply and a new open and fair process will play a part and enhance Dumfries town centre regeneration. It will hopefully allow us to make an application to host Dumfries Makers Market in the Dumfries once a month.
It was great news but slightly tainted as not all decisions were made this week and another report was called for which will be delivered at the next committee meeting in March. Its a huge step in the right direction but its just a little slower to get there.
We want to thank everyone for their continued support and encouragement its kept us both going.