READING Borough Council is exploring the possibility of continuing the operation of traders at Hosier Street Market on an interim basis, following the news that its existing operator has gone into administration.

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On August 2, the council was notified that Town and Country Markets (TCM), which has managed and operated the Hosier Street Market for a number of years, had gone into administration and ceased trading.

TCM was already in arrears on rental payments to the council for the operation of the market.

The council is in the process of reviewing options for the future operation of the market.

Pending a new operator, the council is also in discussion with market traders about the possibility of an interim arrangement that would keep the market open for business.

Ellie Emberson, lead councillor for Corporate and Consumer Services at the council, said: "The council appreciates that the existing traders will be understandably concerned about the news that Town and Country Markets has gone into administration and is no longer trading.

"We have now entered into discussions with the traders about the possibility of them continuing to trade at Hosier St, pending the appointment of a new operator. "The council will of course keep the traders fully informed on timescales."