A CREDITON businessman, who is suggesting a pannier market-type social enterprise for a former Crediton supermarket, is keen to hear from people who may like to trade in the new market.

Jim Thatcher, one of the two partners behind the town's hugely-successful second-hand book shop "Once Read", is proposing that a pannier market be established at the former Costcutter/Crediton Stores building at 135 High Street, Crediton.

Jim has been gathering support for his proposal and says he has had "overwhelming support for the proposal from the Crediton community and some of its businesses".

Jim was recently invited to meet with John Bodley Scott, the Community Development and Regeneration Manager at Mid Devon District Council.

During that meeting Jim said it was suggested that to help strengthen his business plan, he provides a list of as many people as possible that would like to rent a unit/stall, should the project proceed.

Jim would now like to hear from those who may like a space in the proposed Pannier Market.

He said: "This may be an extension of your current business or the start of a new business" and went on: "Ideally, we are looking for products that are not being currently sold within the high street as it is not the intention to compete with our present traders but to give our high street something new, unusual, exciting, perhaps generated locally and most importantly, affordable to our community.

"Trying to compete with the local superstore has not been successful in the past so please come up with something that has your customers desiring more.

"We have some ideas for new businesses, so why not pop into the shop at Once Read, 4 High Street, Crediton for a chat or email us at: [email protected]">[email protected] ."

He added: "Ultimately we require a letter clearly stating, what the trader would like to sell and how many days he/she would like to run the business over a seven day week.

"The charges visualised would be on a daily basis at a very reasonable cost.

"The plan would be: Thursday and Sunday Antiques and Collectables; Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday; General Market and Wednesday Arts and Crafts.

"These businesses may be mixed on General Market Days."

Jim explained that there is not a plan for a café, because there are many already, locally, "but we have ideas for small new food and beverage based businesses that are not already represented here". He asks: "Could this be the opportunity a trader has been waiting for?

"If you have determination, we would be happy to share our business ideas with you.

"There are still many hurdles to overcome but the passion to make this happen has not changed."

Jim anticipates anything from 20 to 40 new businesses could be established and use the venue, suggesting first refusal be given to local businesses.

He added that some of the town's current businesses could have a second outlet at the venue and a wide range catered for, from food outlets to clothing, etc.

STUMBLING BLOCK?

One stumbling block could be the acquisition of the premises, which is currently being offered to let by Harrer Goss, agents, from Exeter.

The premises is being offered as a going concern, suitable for a supermarket and the rental is significant.

It is believed that the lease is held by an investment company who want the premises to remain as a supermarket.

It is believed the lease will expire in November.

Jim said in June: "With enough support we intend to try and halt the supermarket in favour of this new project for Crediton.

"If anyone would like to be contacted in the future with the possibility of starting a new business within this project, please let me have their details.

"We must let those who matter know Crediton wants change."

Jim added that he hoped the Town Council, Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, Mid Devon District Council and others would be interested in supporting his plan.

• What do you think of Jim's plan for a pannier market at 135 High Street, Crediton?

Let us know at the Crediton Courier, so that we can share your thoughts with fellow readers. Email letters or comments to: [email protected]">[email protected] .

Alan Quick