Tim Bearder (January 7) asks whether anything had been done in the Covered Market since the Retail Group’s report in January 2014.

I am pleased to tell him that a lot has been happening to secure the Covered Market’s long-term future.

In the Autumn, a thorough deep clean was carried out, together with repairs to the roof, redecoration and drainage work. The rent issue has been settled and discussions are taking place about a new leasing policy which will reaffirm the balance of trades and support independent traders. New security gates have been commissioned and a tenants handbook is being drafted. Oxford City Council is working closely with traders on a programme of improvements and new signage for 2015, overseen by the popular full time manager whom the city council appointed.

In addition to this, a highly successful street market was held in Market Street in November, to promote the Covered Market. We plan to repeat this again.

Today’s letters

A number of traders have said that Christmas 2014 was the best for the Covered Market since 2008. Had Mr Bearder ventured into the Market himself he would have seen the improvements and the queues and could have saved himself the embarrassment of exposing his ignorance of the situation.

The city council is committed to doing all it can to make sure that the success of Christmas continues in 2015, through investment and close working between traders and the council.

Mary Clarkson (Cllr)

Covered Market Champion

Oxford City Council

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