Views given over markets' future in Ely

Suggestions have been made about how markets in Cambridgeshire could be improved and financed for years to come.

East Cambridgeshire District Council is looking at the future funding of Ely's markets.

At the moment the council pays for the supply and erection of stalls from its reserve money.

Stallholders at the Saturday market want provided stalls, which are not needed at the Thursday market.

The council's review team is set to make a number of recommendations for further consultation later this month.

These include a weekly charge to supply and dismantle stalls for the Saturday craft and collectable market and to no longer provide stalls for the Thursday market where little need for them has been established.

Council leader Fred Brown said: "Our review team has spoken to lots of traders about how we can improve the markets while meeting the financial demands of running them.

"It has been really interesting to hear how many of the professional traders didn't need our stalls.

"While a few trading on the Saturday craft and collectables (market) could not operate without our equipment."

The review team will be reporting back options to internal overview and scrutiny committee on 21 June ahead of further consultation with all parties to take place in the summer.