Dear Editor,

In response to your leading article on the future of Cardigan market here are some thoughts to consider:

The market offers a vital heart-centre to the town of Cardigan and needs council support. Simply letting it fail to market forces is not an intelligent way forward.

In my opinion, just employing a business manager would not do the job. It doesn't just need stalls, it needs to be perceived as attractive and offer something useful to the community. Indeed the community could be given more of a stake in the running of it.

This could mean a joint venture with Cardigan's thriving arts community. Local theatres could be consulted. Lunchtime concerts could be performed, pop up performances could happen.

A good cafe is essential, and everything possible should be done to either keep the existing cafe or support a new one.

The market could offer sessions for mums and kids (something Cardigan needs).

In addition, I think all stallholders need to be given a genuine helping hand. Start-ups could be incentivised to set-up business. This could include a year free trading, (rent and rates).

Food for thought,

STEFAN CARTWRIGHT

Cardigan