A MARKET faces closure and others are struggling due to competition and a change in shopper behaviour, councillors heard.

Flintshire Council’s Community and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee met yesterday (Wednesday, March 14) to discuss the sustainability of three of Flintshire’s smaller street markets - in Connah’s Quay, Flint and Holywell.

A review of the markets was conducted and town councils in each of the three areas were also consulted, with meetings also having been held to discuss the issue with traders in Flint and Holywell.

According to a report to the committee, the three markets, despite making some income, are losing money after taking into account their expenditure.

Mold’s markets on the other hand - the indoor, Wednesday and Saturday - have a net income of tens of thousands of pounds each, the highest of the three being the indoor with a new income of more than £45,000.

Niall Waller, Flintshire Council regeneration manager, told the meeting all markets are facing competition from other retailers and the internet.

He said: “The markets review was developed to respond to how our street markets are changing. All of them are struggling because of the change in peoples behaviour, as are all town centres but to varying extents.

“The three smallest ones are Connah’s Quay which is down to two stalls from hundreds back in the day, Holywell is only just into double figures with 13/14 and Flint which has six.

“So it is time to look at these markets and whether they can be sustained.”

He set out three recommendations - that Flint street market be closed, that the operation of Connah’s Quay market be provisionally transferred to Connah’s Quay town council and that Holywell street market continue on an interim basis but discussions continue with Holywell Town Council over future cost saving options.

Committee chairman Cllr Ian Dunbar told the meeting he understood options to amalgamate the smaller markets and have them trade from a different location each day were being explored by town councils. Mr Waller said he would be happy to discuss any ideas the town councils have.

Cllr Paul Shotton said: “The figures show the only viable market is in Mold. Certainly once we had thriving markets in Flint, Holywell and Connah’s Quay. They are no more.”

Committee members agreed to support the recommendations, which will be referred to Flintshire Council’s cabinet for a final decision.