Historic Helston market saved from closure after council row

A historic community market which organisers said would be forced to close after 65 years of trading following a row with a town council has been saved. Helston Country Market will live to sell another day albeit with a new name and at a different venue.

Traders spoke of their heartache earlier this month that they'd have to stop holding the weekly market in Helston's Guildhall, blaming Helston Town Council for increasing its rent by over 140 per cent without consultation.

Some of the organisers of Helston Country Market (Image: LDR)

Announcing the closure to its supporters, a spokesperson for the market – which has run for generations in Helston Guildhall – said: "It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you that after 65 years, the Helston Country Market will have to close at the end of May. A decision was made by the council to increase our rent by over 140% without consultation or negotiation making it impossible for us to carry on.

"Believe me when I say we've tried everything, but clearly after 65 years, we count for nothing. We would like to thank all of our customers, past and present, for their support over the years, we shall miss you all."

However, Helston Town Council denied the market's version of events and said it had been supportive, allowing traders to rent its room for half price since the end of 2020 to help cope with the effects of Covid and lockdown. The council says the market was offered the opportunity to meet to discuss the new rental costs, but declined. The market's organisers deny this and say they have called for meetings and will be discussing the matter with the town's mayor.

Helston Country Market, which customers said was more like a community support group than a regular market and was due to meet for the final time on May 26, has now had a reprieve thanks to the vicar of Helston Methodist Church.

A spokesperson for the market said: "We have been given an amazing opportunity by the beautiful human that is the Rev Danny Reed, to move into the chapel on a Friday morning. So from June 2, we shall be in the chapel from 9 am till 12 pm at the bottom of Coinagehall Street with as many of our regular tables as possible. The only difference is that you will have to pay each table individually instead of at a central till."

The event will change its name to Helston Market as it will no longer be under the Country Markets umbrella.

The news of a new venue has been welcomed by locals. Julia Wren said: "Well done Danny for helping to keep the market alive," while Sheila Hilditch added: "Great news, well done Danny. The chapel is becoming a true community meeting place."

Janet Pipes said: "What a kind gesture. Far too many country markets are having to close. Good luck for many sales and more customers in your new venue."

Following market organisers' criticisms of the town council which rented the room to the market, town clerk Pamela Lavelle said last week: "Helston Town Council reviewed and simplified their room hire charges in March 2023. This was the first change to our commercial hire charge since before 2004. Members of the task and finish group took the increase in energy charges amongst other considerations into account when making their recommendation. Their conclusion was that the previous charges did not cover the cost of letting the rooms.

"There is now one hourly rate of £14.40 (including VAT) for hire of either room. These charges are comparable to other hire charges in Helston.

"In November 2020 the town council agreed to reduce the hire charge for Helston Country Market to half price due to the impact of Covid. From that time until the end of April 2023 Helston Country Market had been paying £18 a week for room hire instead of the full commercial rate (at that time) of £36. Helston Country Market were offered a choice of dates to meet with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to discuss the matter, they were also advised to write to the council as a whole setting out their situation. They declined to take either course of action.

"Members of the Helston Country Market Committee have informed officers that the change in room hire fees is not the only reason Helston Country Market have decided to cease trading, mentioning fewer traders since lockdown, a lack of sufficient customers, and not enough traders willing to step into committee positions as contributing factors in their decision."