Bromley’s historic Charter Market used Love Your Local Market fortnight as a perfect platform to emphasise its commitment to fair, safe trading by signing the Real Deal charter. As part of the Love Your Local Market campaign, reduced price stalls were offered to enterprising young people to allow them to try their hand at running a market business.

Councillor Peter Morgan, Executive Councillor for Renewal and Recreation, said:

“Entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Bromley with many successful businesses starting life on a market stall before growing into bigger premises. We are totally committed in actively encouraging quality products to be sold on our markets, and the undertaking not to sell counterfeit goods is absolutely in keeping with this ethos. While Bromley Charter Market not only adds vibrancy to the town centre, it plays a vital role in the community, helping to make Bromley a destination for all – whether shopping, visiting, as a place to live or location to work”.

Bromley’s historic Charter Market started life in 1205 when King John granted a charter allowing a market each Tuesday. A revised charter granted by King Henry VI In 1447 changed the market day to every Thursday. The Royal Charter status meant that no other market could take place within 6⅔ miles on the same day as the Charter Market, a distance based on how far a shepherd could drive his flock of sheep to market in one day.

In today’s difficult economic climate, street markets such as Bromley’s help rejuvenate town centre high streets and boost sales for other traders. Having the Real Deal charter in place means that legitimate traders’ businesses can really flourish free from unfair competition, shoppers are assured of a good deal and the whole community benefits from a crime-free market environment.