Hinckley Market cancelled in the face of dangerous weather
Another week without Hinckley traditional market day has passed the small town by, thanks to the winter's unusually heavy storms.
While some traders were able to operate out of trailers or other large vehicles, the majority of merchants were unable to sell their goods.
The market takes place every Saturday but was called off on November 23.
“I understand the decisions; we obviously lose income but it's a part of business, it is what it is; we’re dependent on the weather,” said Tosia, a market vendor trading with Dogs’ Natural Choices.
Hinckley, being a market town, has a rich culture and sense of community stemming from this weekly event.
With continuous cancelations of the market, some market goers are worried it might drive people apart.
The harsh weather saw farmland floods and some lanes of roads flooded, making it unsafe for many drivers.
A spokesperson from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council accredited high wind speeds for the cancelation as their duty to residents' health and safety outweighs the risk of letting the market go ahead unmodified.
Despite the growing number of cancelations, the market remains a point of optimism for the community.
“I think this market is quite strong, looking at footfall and people asking for certain traders,” said Tosia.
Traders like Tosia have begun to use online ordering and delivery for many of their products to ensure that any regular customers can still buy their products.
While this undermines the spirit of the market, it allows the many stall operators to keep a regular income and prevent them from going under; even in these financially difficult times.
Seasoned traders at the market have said that as the winter months continue to unfold, more cancelations are likely. They advised any market goers to stay up to date with the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council for any updates relating to the market.
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