Northampton market stall rates reduced to boost business
Market traders in Northampton are being offered reduced rents until 2014 by the borough council in a bid to help them through difficult economic times.
The announcement follows advice from the town's independent market advisory group set up recently to boost trade.
From next month rates for permanent traders will drop by 25%.
Chair of the advisory group, Raymond Everall, said it would benefit "loyal and hardworking traders" and could help secure the market's future.
The reduction means a typical Saturday stall rate will be £19 instead of £25. Weekday rates will reduce from £10 per day to £7.50.
Council leader David Mackintosh said: "We know trading continues to be tough for businesses at the moment and so we have been considering what practical things we can do that will actually help market traders and safeguard our market."