VILLIERS PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR BARNET MARKET

MP for Chipping Barnet, Theresa Villiers, has pledged her support to the work of the Friends of Barnet Market - consisting of concerned residents and representatives of various local groups including Spaces, the Barnet Society and the Barnet Residents Association and the Hadley Residents Association.

At a meeting in the Sebright Arms in Alston Road on Friday evening, Theresa met with the Friends, discussed their concerns and threw her support behind their energetic campaign to keep our local market flourishing.

Speaking after the meeting, Theresa Villiers MP said, “I strongly support Barnet Market. It plays a very important role in our community. Not only is it a much valued shopping facility for local people, it also helps keep our high street viable by generating trade for other local retailers.” 

“With the proposed redevelopment of the market’s site in St Alban’s Road stalled because of the credit crunch, it is vital that the long term future of the market is secured. The Council have offered to extend the lease over the market’s temporary home in the Stapylton Roadcar park for three years, but so far the market’s owners, Mr and Mrs Walsh, have not signed up.”

“With the time ticking away until the current lease expires in June, I will be doing all I can to persuade Mr and Mrs Walsh to sign up to the lease extension to ensure we keep our market in Barnet.”

“The market has been part of our community for hundreds of years in Barnet. The name “Chipping” in my Chipping Barnet constituency originates from the Anglo Saxon word for market. Together with my constituents, I will fight hard to keep Barnet Market alive.”