Ministers plan market town revival

06 September 1999

Ministers plan market town revival

THE government is making plans for revitalising Britains market towns, according to a report in The Times today.

John Prescott, the secretary for environment, transport and the regions, has chosen 900 towns which are to be developed to provide services for rural communities.

He wants the towns to become social and business centres for those living in the countryside and plans new deals to encourage business start-ups.

The return of farmers markets, farmer-owned co-operatives in local high streets and affordable rural housing all form part of the strategy.

Full details of the plans will be announced in urban and rural white papers to be published next spring.

• The Times 06/09/99 page 9