Thank you again for signing the petition to #protectprestonmarket.

On Thursday 23 March, we united with the Save the Preston Market group and our community on the steps of Parliament to present our petitions to Government to #protectprestonmarket. We called upon the Planning Minister to release the Preston Market Report, and to make a decision that will benefit our community for generations to come. 

We are pleased to see the Planning Minister has this week released the SAC report which recommends retention of our beloved market and acknowledges the importance of the market’s cultural, historical and social significance. 

We were comforted to see that the report called for substantial retention of the footprint of the market. For traders, we understand the market is a vital source of income and employment for our community, and that ongoing uncertainty is just not fair. That’s why our goal has always been to see the market protected in its current location, allowing for development to happen around it with minimal disruption to trade. 

It’s been a long fight, and it’s not over yet but we’re notching this up as a win for our community.  Well done, and thank you to this amazing community who signed the petition, spread the word and joined us on this important fight.

We remain committed to protecting the Preston Market and will carefully consider the SAC report to fully understand its recommendations. The process is now with the Minister for Planning, to consider the SAC’s recommendations, and to make the final decision on the amendment affecting Preston Market’s future.

We’ll continue to keep you updated.