Budding traders will be able to run a stall for just £10

by Winifred Okocha

Budding traders are being given the chance to run a market stall - for just a tenner.

Medway Council is offering the cut-price pitches at Gillingham and Strood markets to encourage people to start up a stall and also support their local markets.

Strood market trader Paul Palmer said the scheme – offering stalls for £10 on Saturday, July 7 – is a "fantastic idea".

The 43-year-old said: "You’ll get a chance to try it at a sensible price before committing yourself fully.

"It’s not so clinical as supermarkets. At a supermarket, it’s just in and out like a hospital, whereas here you get to talk to people and interact with people."

Tim Farrow, 65, from Sheppey, sells pushchairs at Strood market.

He said: "The markets are evolving – we need new blood. The more youngsters that can be encouraged to come in the better.

"This new initiative will certainly give them the opportunity to try it."

Cllr Jane Chitty, Medway Council portfolio holder for strategic development and economic growth, said: "With small overheads and relatively low start-up costs, market trading is an ideal

opportunity to test the market to see what will sell well and is also good for creative types who make or design their own goods."

She added: "This is a great chance for Medway’s budding entrepreneurs to get a taste for business and challenge themselves and I’d encourage them to give it a go."

About 20 pitches – split between Gillingham and Strood markets – will be available for £10 on July 7.

Applicants need to get in touch with Medway Council by Monday, June 11 by phoning 01634 338155.