Borehamwood market to close for good later this summer

A contract that would allow it to continue operating beyond August is not being renewed by Hertsmere Borough Council.

At a meeting on Wednesday, members of the council’s senior executive committee described the current market, which runs on Tuesdays and Saturdays, as “tired” and “dying on its feet”.

The council has not ruled out introducing a new market in the town but says any new provision needs to be in the right location, “fit for the future”, and helps existing businesses.

The future of the current market, situated along a service road in Shenley Road, was thrown into doubt last year when it was only granted a one-year extension.

The council’s portfolio holder for the economy, Caroline Clapper, said she gave a commitment that a firm decision would be made on the market’s future.

Borehamwood market. Credit: Google Street View

Speaking on Wednesday, Cllr Clapper said people told her the market was “terrible” but said she needed evidence and instructed the council to undertake surveys with stallholders, shopkeepers, and residents.

The council says the survey results concluded 86 per cent of respondents were “dissatisfied” with the market, which has been running for around 30 years but only has four to six stalls at the moment. 

Cllr Clapper added the current operator is unwilling to extend its contact, the market was not making any money for the council and that it doesn’t bring in additional footfall for the town.

Conservative council leader Morris Bright admitted the market has “not been great in recent times”, which he says was “very sad”, but said if a market like that of St Albans could be created in Borehamwood, in the right location, the council would be willing to help fund it.

The executive committee unanimously voted to close the current market.

The decision to close the market was made by the council's Executive committee at a meeting held at the civic centre in Borehamwood on Wednesday June 8 (Image: Newsquest)

Labour member Jeremy Newmark had accused the council of “depriving” residents of a market people “want” and “rely” on and said a decision to shut it is “short-sighted”.

He added: “It used to be a thriving hub for the town making £100,000 a year for the council.”