The Cornish family enjoyed attending the Maylands Hawkers Market  on a number of occasions.  The kids always seemed to find a few of their school friends there and that would be them occupied for the next hour or so, thereby allowing Della and I to relax.

It always amazed me that the very same place where anti-social activities  were originating from, for which Maylands was developing a bad reputation, could also be developed into a family friendly zone.  A place where everyone: families, singles, locals, visitors etc could congregate, chat to each other and enjoy a bit of good old community togetherness.

The first year was only a trial run for the Markets; a new idea that quite rightly needed to be tested. From the crowds that attended, and the vendors that kept coming back, it was clear that it could only be considered a resounding success.

Some businesses and landlords in the area have concerns about whether the Markets brings business to the local shops, or takes business away from them. There are also concerns about parking in Maylands. I welcome hearing about these concerns, acknowledge them and respect them; I will always listen to the residents and rate-payers views regardless of whether the views mirror my own or oppose them, and regardless of whether there is one voice or one hundred.

At the last Council meeting I voted to continue supporting the Maylands Markets because I felt that the community as a whole was benefiting  from, and enjoying this central area of Maylands which was being converted into a social mecca – at least for a few hours on Saturdays anyway. I was on the losing side of this vote and the Council’s support of Maylands Markets was deferred for consideration to the August Council meeting and subject to a number of hurdles; we shall see what happens when it comes back to Council.