Allerdale Borough Council has now launched a public consultation into the plan with people invited to submit comments through an online survey. 

It is hoped that by relaunching an outdoor market it would be to provide a valuable local service to residents, provide an additional business opportunity for local market traders, provide new entrepreneurs with a low-cost option to trade and additional reasons for tourists to visit. 

Cllr Mike Johnson, leader of the council and Executive member with responsibility for Economic Growth, Community Development and Placemaking, said: “Markets can play a key role in creating additional vibrancy in our town centres and are also a great platform for new local businesses to take their first steps. 

“As outlined in our 10-year Council Strategy, it is the ambition of the council to introduce new outdoor markets in the borough and we’re now officially starting the process of exploring reintroducing a market in Cockermouth. I’d encourage as many people as possible in the town to have their say and let us know what they think.” 

People can take part in the consultation at https://rebrand.ly/cockermouthmarket with a deadline for responses the end of the day on Friday, June 25, 2021. 

It has been several years since a weekly, outdoor market has been held in the town although recently the 800th anniversary of Cockermouth being granted a royal market charter was celebrated as part of a ceremony organised by the town’s Civic Trust. 

The council also runs markets in Keswick, Workington, Silloth and Wigton and any traders wanting further details about having a stall at them – or at a potential future Cockermouth market – should contact Markets Manager Phil Byers on phil.byers@allerdale.gov.uk. 

The council is also busy planning this year’s Taste Cumbria event which is scheduled to run in Cockermouth between September 24 and 26.