The post you are reporting:
Second try.
I attended a Town Team meeting in Simon's office some time ago, to give input on how to run a successful street market. I took copies of the paper I had written and handed them out.
I did suggest that a market-manager be appointed and paid on a commission-basis so he would be encouraged to go out and get more stall holders here - ones from other towns (they don't operate on a Tuesday) and everyone loves Farmers Markets, so they would be popular too; this would have generated between 30 and 40 stalls.
New stalls would not need to be provided as stall-holders have their own, but as an encouragement to people who would like to try running their own stall, second-hand ones could be bought on e-bay. This was ignored and new ones were bought, kind permission of DTC.
Everything I had suggested was poo-poo'd and the next day I received an email from David (Little) that was a master of put-downs; it was sent to everyone in the (email) loop and Simon replied to David applauding him on it - I think he suggested David become a politician. I must admit I was surprised to be on the email list for Simon's reply.
I am sure I know a local business-man who would offer free office space for this, so that would not cost, also if a good business-plan was created - and the Town-Team (apart from two I understand) is made up of business men and women, so this should not be too difficult, then presented to the main (4) stake-holders here, asking for £7,500 each, then that would pay the salary of the Town-team Manager and salary-related costs.
A survey of local businesses should be carried out to determine what they think needs doing and how they can move from surviving to thriving.
Creating a membership of local businesses, will not only create an income for a range of initiatives, but give a much bigger voice to the Town Team.
David used to throw figures of £60,000 odd at me as to the costs of setting this up - that's just total nonsense; if this is to be started and Dover move forward, it needs a paid employee - you can't give a volunteer, targets to achieve and instructions to carry out.
Businesses will only join up if they know what they are doing for them: business-rate support (to check they are at least correct and all claims/rebates are being made) fire-risk assessments, marketing, value of having a website created etc. etc. There are also many things that can done to help make the Town look more welcoming and cleaner.
I have been put-down too many times to say I am after a job, but these are just a few suggestions to help move Dover forward.
Roger
