Document Chertsey Town Centre Street Licensing Review

The Committee was asked to authorise for the Corporate Head of Law and Governance to review the designation of licensed streets in the Borough pursuant to its powers under Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982.   The Committee was also asked to approve that Officers would undertake a public consultation to designate Guildford Street, Chertsey as a licensed street to permit street trading.

In September 2021 a report was taken to Environment and Sustainability Committee to allow authority to develop street markets across the Borough’s town centres with the first focus being Egham.   In November 2022, Egham Chamber of Commerce had introduced a new artisan market for the winter period.  These winter markets were a great success for Egham and the Chambers had now offered the market operator a regular slot on the 1^st Saturday of each month.

Guildford Street in Chertsey allowed for community events and street parades with road closure requests.  It provided the ideal location for a street market as it was a one-way road and had access to other roads to divert traffic through the town.

There was a recent trial on May Day, in Guildford Street which had been successful whilst having minimal impact on Guildford Street when closed off for the market.

Members were supportive of introducing more markets to the Borough.  It was great for communities and encouraged local consumption.  The Committee was advised that the focus was to get Chertsey market up and running before looking at introducing a market to Addlestone.  The area outside the Civic Centre in Addlestone was owned by Runnymede Borough Council, which would inevitably make the introduction of a market to Addlestone more straightforward.

Officers were asked to engage with the Committee with regard to the traders involved in the market to ensure products sold and their packaging were sustainable.  The Committee was advised that all traders were vetted and terms and conditions included information to traders on litter disposal.

The consultation would take effect as soon as possible and if supported, it was hoped the first market would be held this autumn.  (The decision was later taken to Full Council).

           Resolved that:

i)               The Corporate Head of Law and Governance be authorised to review the designation of licensed streets in the Borough pursuant to its powers under Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982; and

ii)             Officers proceed with a public consultation to designate Guildford Street, Chertsey as a licensed street to permit street
trading