“We plan to run mini food festivals and in the run up Halloween we will have storytellers, a spooky stall, and a bubble ologist as well as festive activities in the run-up to Christmas”

Traders have been speaking to the Gazette about their concerns for the future of South Shields Market and whether they feel the introduction of live music and other forms of entertainment will help to increase footfall.

Singer Erin Roche, market manager Beth Durkin (right), and traders Dan Jameson, Helen Stewart, and Pauline Smith. | Iconic

placeholder image — Singer Erin Roche, market manager Beth Durkin (right), and traders Dan Jameson, Helen Stewart, and Pauline Smith. | Iconic

One of those was Bumpz and Babiez stall owner Pauline Smith, 72, who has had a stall in Market Place for nearly 15 years.

She said: “Numbers have dwindled which has led to the market going downhill - there is probably around half the Saturday stalls compared to when I started.

Bumpz and Babiez trader Pauline Smith has had a stall on the market for 15 years. | Iconic

“The biggest thing which needs to be addressed is the demise of King Street. The closure of shops means there is much less footfall coming into the town which inevitably means less people coming to the market.”

On whether the new measures will increase footfall, Pauline added: “I’ve seen a number of singers, but I’m not sure people coming to the market are here to hear music. However, I do think we need to try things to see if they work, and anything which brings more families and kids to the market can only help.”

Chicken farmer and egg seller, Helen Stewart, has only had a stall at the market since July, but said she “normally does pretty well”.

Helen Stewart at her egg stall. | Iconic

Helen, 46, added: “I’ve already sold 300 eggs but I do think more can be done to increase footfall. I certainly think having a bus stop near the market would help.

“I think having live music and some of the other entertainment they have talked about can help to increase footfall.”

A number of other traders who spoke to the Gazette were less positive about the market’s future.

Krissi Grimer, 42, who owns AK Accessories said: “The Friday market is busier, but we were told these things would increase footfall and we are still waiting to see it. We were told there would be 35 more stalls, but it hasn’t happened.

“If the price to hire a stall was cheaper then you would get more stall holders.”

Chaweewan Donnelly has had a clothing stall for the last nine years.

Chaweewan Donnelly and customer Nay Zar Aung | Iconic

She said: “It used to be a lot busier, but there are a lot less customers now and it’s a struggle to make money.”

Shopper Katie Hudson, 42, has been coming to South Shields market since she was a child.

She said: “The market is dying and needs some umph put into it. Greater advertising is needed to let people know it’s on and to hopefully get more people here.”

Market provider Local Heroes has been commissioned by South Tyneside Council on a six month pilot to run the market and try and increase footfall.

Local Heroes employee and market manager Beth Durkin said: “As well as live music, we plan to run mini food festivals and in the run up Halloween we will have storytellers, a spooky stall, and a bubble ologist as well as festive activities in the run-up to Christmas.

“We’ve had success with similar activities at markets in Hebburn and Jesmond, and traders need to give us time to make it work.”

Speaking previously to the Gazette, Cllr Dave Royal, Lead Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Investment, said: “We’re focused on bringing more people into South Shields town centre. Increasing footfall helps support our market traders and other local businesses.”