Bathgate market is set to return next month, revitalising an abandoned site in the centre of town which has become a target for youth anti-social behaviour.
Lucy Lawson is making the final preparation to reopen the market on the site of the old station car park off Whitburn Road.
But before she can set out her stall she needs a hand to clean up. West Lothian Litter Pickers contacted Lucy to volunteer and will meet at the site on Wednesday evening at 6pm.
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Lucy told the Local Democracy Reporting service: “I really cannot believe how much community support I have had.
“ I’m really looking forward to working with West Lothian Litter Pickers. The site is amazing but, just now it’s a lot of a mess.”
The disused car park is accessed from Whitburn Road and occupies land behind the Argos store, so is easily accessible from town centre car parks. Lucy believes that the attraction of a market will increase footfall into the town centre on a Saturday.
The former long running market, held on the old horse market site in Whitburn Road now occupied by Lidl, was a mainstay of the town’s weekend economy for years.
Lucy has lined up 100 traders but plans regular pitches for 60 market stalls with another 20 set aside for car boot sales. The market will be a mixture of traditional traders and arts and crafts.
Lucy has negotiated a trial lease from West Lothian Council and the market will launch on Saturday 10 June for five consecutive Saturdays. It will operate from 9am to 2pm.
Access for car boot pitches will be available on a first come first served basis from 8am.
Lucy said: “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has shown us support. Your overwhelming kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand is truly appreciated. We have also received an offer of assistance from the admin of West Lothian Litter Pickers to help clean the area, and we are extremely grateful for any support they will provide.”
She added: “We would like to offer a free pitch to a charity or social enterprise each week as part of our commitment to being a community interest company. If this interests your organisation, please get in touch with us.”
The market plan has generated a lot of interest and support on social media. One post welcomed the plans saying: “Great news ! Thanks for all the time and effort you have put into this , it can be disheartening at the lack of support but your strength is shining through go girl! Bathgate needs this, Bathgate needs anything that will bring it back to life , this could be the start .”
Lucy first tried to relaunch Bathgate Market last year negotiating a lease of part of the council car park in Gardner’s Lane in the town but this proved too costly. Now she has set a Community Interest Company which will be able to plough benefits back into the town.
Further information can be had by contacting Unicorn Markets at unicornmarkets.co.uk
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