Swansea Market trader named UK’s merriest

A SWANSEA Market trader has been named the UK’s merriest.

Leeanne Martin, who works at the DE Richards & Sons deli stall, was nominated for the Love Your Local Market accolade by Sarah Jones, who also works in the market at the Socks ‘n’ Smalls stall.

A photo of Leeanne with her son, McKenzie, was submitted to support the application. The photo helped muster 750 votes for Leeanne that included results from a Facebook poll. Many customers at the Greedy Fellas stall where Leeanne used to work were among those who voted.

Other categories of the photo and video competition included loveliest market, youngest trader and longest-serving trader. Over 4,000 votes were cast for more than 400 entries from across the UK. Leeanne was also named overall competition winner.

Mick Barker, President of NABMA (National Association of British Market Authorities), is travelling to Swansea on Wednesday July 15 to present Leeanne with a prize.

Swansea Council runs Swansea Market.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “Leeanne’s competition win is yet another feather in Swansea Market’s cap. The market already has an outstanding reputation for hugely welcoming traders, but this accolade will help further raise the attraction’s profile as a friendly and vibrant place to visit.

“The contribution Leeanne and other market traders make to our city centre can’t be overstated. Exciting city centre regeneration plans have recently been announced, but it’s important Swansea Market remains at its beating heart. The market makes a huge contribution to Swansea’s reputation for individuality. It helps Swansea city centre stand out from the crowd, which is why a roof refurbishment project is on-going there to preserve the attraction for the enjoyment of millions more people in years to come.”

Other recent Swansea Market success stories include receiving a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor – the world’s biggest travel website. The Thai Taste stall in Swansea Market is also ranked number one on TripAdvisor of 485 restaurants to have been reviewed across the city.

The on-going roof refurbishment work is being funded by Swansea Council and the Building Enhancement Programme, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. The project includes refurbishment of the existing barrel roof and renewal of the roof and gable glazing. Essential repairs to the flat roof and roof light lanterns are also being carried out.

Access into and around the market hall is being maintained at all times throughout the work, which is scheduled to be finished in the early autumn this year.