VILLIERS WELCOMES RESURFACING OF BARNET MARKET SITE

MP for Chipping Barnet, Theresa Villiers, has welcomed what looks to be the resurfacing of the old Barnet Market site on St. Albans Road, signalling that the market will be able to resume trading from the site when the lease to trade from Stapylton Road car park expires at the end of this month.

Prior to this latest development, the market had been facing homelessness and was at risk of disappearing from Barnet altogether. The Council had offered to extend the lease on the market’s temporary home in Stapylton Road. However, the market’s owners, Mr and Mrs Walsh were reluctant to sign up. It now seems likely that the market will be returning to the St. Albans Road site. This is the indication that has apparently been given to the market traders by Nigel Walsh.

Theresa Villiers said, “I am delighted that after months of uncertainty and negotiation the immediate future of Barnet Market looks to be secure. Its survival is crucial in order to keep Barnet High Street flourishing. And hopefully the additional space available on the St. Albans Road site will encourage more traders and shoppers to come to the market.”

“However, I am still concerned about the market’s long-term future as it is likely that this will only be a temporary measure until planned building work can begin. I will continue to work with the council and with local residents’ groups to ensure there is a market in Barnet for years to come.”

Chris Nightingale from local residents group SPACES said, “Immediate catastrophe has fortunately been avoided, but with development still planned for the site when the country’s economic situation improves, the market may again face having to find a temporary home whilst the site is developed.”