Frankton Market to continue under new plan

Closure of the popular Saturday Frankton Market has been averted.

A way forward has been found in the issue of how and when the weekly Frankton Market operates, after a decision by Hamilton City Council.

The weekly market has traditionally operated under a Local Government Act schedule allowing closure of one road - Commerce St, from Lake Rd to High St - every Saturday morning.

Frankton retailer Forlongs voiced concern over that road closure.

Frankton Business Association subsequently applied to the council for three revised road closures, which general manager city infrastructure Chris Allen says will cover three different time periods.

The new arrangements cover the next 12 months, and vary depending on the time of year to meet legislative requirements stipulating a road can only be closed for a total of 31 aggregate days a year.

The new arrangements are: From September 22 to February 9 - closure of Commerce St between Lake Rd and Kent St, plus Keddell St between Commerce St and 20 metres to the south.

February 16 to April 20 2013 - closure of Commerce St between Lake Rd and High St, plus Keddell St between Commerce St and 20 metres to the south, and Kent St either side of Commerce St.

April 27 to September 14 2013 - closure of Commerce St between Kent St and High St.

The closures will be in effect from 8.30am to 2.30pm.

Mr Allen says the new arrangements allow Frankton Market to continue to operate, with some lay-out changes at varying times of the year.

The decision was passed by a majority of 7-5 in favour of approving the closures.