| Mitch Roberts, the Newbury Town Centre manager is proposing a ten day Christmas market for Newbury. His proposals have aroused criticism and opposition from the town’s Charter Market and from the independent traders.
The idea of the market is the brainchild of Andrew Pittard, who runs the Sienna Exhibition Company at Membury. Sienna would be responsible for the organisation and marketing of the event.
The preferred site for the market is the pedestrianised area of Bartholomew Street North, between the town bridge and the entrance to the multi-storey car park. Sienna would construct up to 20 chalet style stands which would be stocked with festive products. Suggestions include nuts, mulled wine, hot chestnuts, cranberry crepes, chocolates and sweets, hot corn on the cob and spicy sausage. Hand made products, such as wooden toys, Christmas decorations, glass decorations, Christmas cards, candles, pictures and ceramic goods.
The market would trade daily between the hours of 11.00am and 8.00pm.
Newbury.net has received a copy of the proposal and has been asked for comments to be forwarded to the Town Centre Manager. Although the proposal is for a ten day market, Mitch Roberts is suggesting that the market starts on Friday 17th November to coincide with the switching on of the Christmas lights and trades daily through until Christmas Eve (A period far in excess of ten days).
The Christmas market was the subject of a very heated debate at a recent meeting of the Newbury Retail Association. A decision is expected early next month. | 
