BATTLE lines have been drawn in the fight for Middlewich artisan market’s future.

The town’s two ruling authorities have clashed over who should fund the monthly event in Wheelock Street.

As reported in the Guardian, the market’s trial period was a success but Cheshire East Council will not waive traffic management and road closure fees as it is a commercial event.

In a statement, a spokesman described it as a ‘matter for negotiation between Middlewich Town Council and the artisan market operator’.

But Town Mayor Simon McGrory has slammed the authority for standing in the way of an event that has ‘regenerated the shopping experience in Middlewich’.

He said: “It is a great shame that a new concept in a street market in Middlewich can meet so many hurdles, obstacles and inequality from Cheshire East Council.

“There is an overwhelming view that the artisan market must continue after its three month trial.

“Seeing Wheelock Street full of shoppers and market stalls and shops working together to help regenerate the shopping experience in Middlewich is a truly great achievement.

“It is one we should all be encouraging, not trying to find ways to stop it or to make money out of the town council.”

Clr McGrory is also angry that the town council has been asked to fork out for market fees from a £8,763 rebate received from the borough council.

This was to overcome ‘double taxation’ as some Cheshire East towns such as Macclesfield do not have their own councils.

This meant Middlewich taxpayers faced precepts as well as the cost of running services out of their area.

Following negotiations, Cheshire East Council has indicated that it will cost £3,500 every year to continue the artisan market.

Clr McGrory said: “To suggest that we should use a 'one off' grant of £8,000 we got this year shows an astonishing lack of understanding of the situation.

“The reason we received that grant is to alleviate an issue of 'double taxation' where for many years we been paying for services twice - not to have to hand it back to Cheshire East at the first opportunity.

“I do not believe that £3,500 to hold a market in Middlewich is fair, reasonable or moral.

“It is within Cheshire East's power to waive this charge. Other towns do not get charged and I believe Middlewich should be granted an exemption.”

In a letter, Middlewich resident Lee West criticised the council for holding the event back with ‘bureaucratic’ obstacles.

He added: “It is this kind of event that is rejuvenating our high streets that have been decimated by the continuing recession.

“The town was alive again, buzzing with enthusiasm, people coming into Middlewich for the first time and others that have lived here for years all enjoying what our small town has to offer.

“Instead of championing local initiatives, the council is actively creating a barrier against the glimmer of entrepreneurial dynamism that gives communities like ours the boost we so desperately need.”