Whilst ambling down Ridley Road I talked to a few people to get their views on London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s announcement that the market is due for a £1.5m makeover.
Most people agreed that upgrading the market was a good idea. Almost everyone was in favour of weatherproof stalls to keep out the rain and wind, although a few people said there were more important things for the Mayor to spend money on.
New weatherproof stalls are necessary but the money could be spent on other priorities such as free Wi-Fi and card machines to speed up payments and reduce queuing time.
On the subject of card machines a lady said: “I think it’s a great idea. I don’t carry a lot of cash on me as walking around a busy market with a lot of cash could be dangerous. There have been times where I did not bring enough cash with me and I had to call my partner to come bring me some. If each stall had card machines, I would not have to worry about whether or not I have enough cash.” Many others also said they were not comfortable carrying a lot of notes around a busy market.
A market trader explained how bringing in card machines would help in the running of his stall: “I am on my own at this stall most of the times and it would make it easier for me to collect payments. With the card machines I won’t have to worry about counting the correct change and giving it back, and that takes a long time if you are working alone.”
Fewer people supported the call for free Wi-Fi. One man told me that “everyone has data” and there are more important considerations such as safety and “making the ground easier to walk on, especially for adults with prams.”
Walking around the market there was enough of a buzz to let you know it’s more than just surviving, even if it’s not exactly thriving. Money from the Mayor’s office will be a welcome boost to this community asset.
