Local celebrity officially opens Leek markets

Strictly winner and Emmerdale star turned real-life farmer, Kelvin Fletcher, has officially opened Leek’s transformed indoor markets.

The town’s Butter and Trestle markets have undergone a major £3.4 million refurbishment after Staffordshire Moorlands District Council made a successful bid to the UK Government for funding.

Kelvin, who now runs the successful Fletcher’s Family Farm near Wincle as featured on ITV, joined the Moorlands Chairman, the Mayor and Mayoress of Leek, the MP, District and Town councillors, market traders and guests on Friday (21 February) to cut the ribbon formally declaring the markets open.

He said:

“As a neighbour I’m often in Leek and, like everyone here, I want to see market towns like this thrive. Supporting local producers is so important and markets play a vital role in that - a message reinforced by the traders I’ve spoken to here – so it’s great to see what the Council has achieved.

“I congratulate everyone one involved. It’s a pleasure to be able to buck the trend and celebrate such a positive story about town centres and retailing and I wish you all enormous success for the future.”

The markets re-opened to traders and shoppers in November last year and have welcomed returning and new businesses including the new food and drink outlets, Scrumbles Cake Shop and The Slamwich Club, to the Trestle Market.

Council Leader, Councillor Mike Gledhill, said:

“We’re proud of the transformation we’ve delivered and the opportunities it has created for local businesses and our communities.

“I’m delighted that so many people who helped make this happen were able to join us to mark the official opening. I’d like to particularly thank our MP, Government officers, District councillors and staff, Leek Town Council, our traders, shoppers and visitors, the businesses who were patient and understanding during the construction works, and everyone involved for their ongoing support and helping us make Leek and our rejuvenated markets such a success.”

As part of the exciting new-look retail and events programme, themed Friday markets are set to start from 14 March. The rotating markets will see a focus on fashion of the first Friday each month followed by food on the second Friday, makers and artists on the third Friday and vintage to round off the month.

The Council was awarded £17.1 million by the Government to regenerate Leek town centre. As well as this project at the markets, the Council is investing the money in a major redevelopment of MyActive Leek (formerly Brough Park Leisure Centre) and in refurbishing the Nicholson Institute.

There’s more information about all these projects on our website.

Pictured - Kelvin Fletcher talking to Tony Banks from Rustic Shabby Leek.