Town council looks to spice up Ringwood market to halt declining trade

RINGWOOD’S struggling weekly Wednesday market could get a revamp next spring, the mayor has revealed.

Cllr Tony Ring told the latest town council meeting he had accompanied Cllr Tim Ward to meetings with Edward Morant, the charter holder, to try to “find a way to improve matters”.

Cllr Ward said there were suggestions of pairing with Bournemouth University students and crafts firms to offer modern and innovative stalls and experiences to spice up the market’s atmosphere.

He suggested the grand relaunch could feature a town crier and said the council would gladly welcome any help or suggestions from individuals or businesses.

There was widespread agreement between members that the market had been “dying a death” for a while. Cllr Darren Loose said the problem revolved around there being no customers.

When Ringwood was a prominent market town in the past, he said, lifestyles were very different and complemented a weekly weekday market. But now men and women pursue careers, work longer hours, have busier lives and there was more retail competition.

Cllr Ward said he knew of Ringwood residents who preferred going to the market at Salisbury because it attracted more people. The issue was also raised by local entrepreneur Marianne Giles, who said steps needed to be taken to “keep it [Ringwood’s market] going”.

Meanwhile, Cllr Jeremy Heron said he believed the decline of the market started when it stopped selling livestock.

He recalled buying a black ram from there when a young boy, adding: “Possibly I was one of the last people to have bought livestock from there.”