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THE international market will be returning back to Carlisle over the Easter weekend – but not all businesses are happy.
Some well-known businesses within the community have questioned why the council are bringing back a market during a ‘shop local’ bid to bring Carlisle customers into city outlets.
Chris Archibald, owner of La Baguette Bar, who has been operating in Carlisle for 25 years, said the market brings ‘absolutely zero’ benefits.
“It’s horrendous they are bringing the continental market right to the door step of businesses in the city centre, it absolutely kills the traders,” he said.
“We pay £28,000 a year in business rates, it’s completely unfair – my takings drop by 30 per cent every time the market comes,” he said.
Manager of the Boardroom pub, David Scott, said: “I’m of the same opinion as everybody else; it’s nice for the city but it does detract from local businesses without a doubt.
“They’ve got a big open bar with the market which people sit at all day, it definitely takes business away from the pubs,” he said.
Manager for over 20 years of Franco’s Ristorante, Carl Elliott, said: “It’s a good idea having a market, I just wish they make it more a crafts market so they would use food and drink businesses surrounding it, because if the weather’s good we don’t see much of the trade coming our way – only if it’s wet.”
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But a spokesperson for Carlisle City Council praised the popularity of the market.
“This is the 19th year that an International Market has been held at Easter in Carlisle,” they said. “The event is extremely popular and attracts lots of visitors to the city.
“It aims to increase footfall and encourage more visitors to come to Carlisle over the four-days.
“Assessment of previous International Market events show that nearly 70 per cent of people when asked if they would be doing anything else apart from visiting the International Market said they would be going shopping, and over half (57 per cent) would also go for a meal or a drink.
“More than 80 per cent said they would be spending longer in the city as a direct result of the International Market.
“Initiatives such as the free Bank Holiday and weekend parking in our city centre car parks are another incentive and aim to encourage residents and visitors to shop in Carlisle,” they added.
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