Coalville North county councillor Craig Smith and prominent local businesswoman Zoe Howard have joined forces to champion the future of high street shopping in Coalville - with a focus on revitalising Newmarket and Marlborough Square.

Cllr Smith says he will seek talks with North West Leicestershire District Council about the option of outsourcing the management of Newmarket and Marlborough Square to the traders themselves.

That could be along the lines of Snibston Colliery café.

Here, a council-run operation was transformed into a thriving business under the management of a professional café operator. 

The cafe at Snibston Colliery Park. Photo: Leicestershire County Council

Cllr Smith said: "The advantages would be traders can make quick decisions, free from the red tape that slows down local government."

He believes that Newmarket, while not intended as a direct replacement for the old Coalville Market Hall, has struggled to capture the imagination of local shoppers. 

Councillors at NWLDC said it is dependent on the outside market to prosper - and the delays experienced in renovating Marlborough Square have compounded the challenges. 

Cllr Smith said: "NWLDC is moving in the right direction with specialist monthly markets, and they've supported traders by freezing rent prices to aid these small businesses - a commendable effort during challenging times for high street retailers.

"Marlborough Square, though beautifully redeveloped, has faced its share of setbacks. The first few major events planned for the space coincided with the most horrendous weather, resulting in cancellations or downscaling." 

But he, along with Zoe, from Kool Guys in Coalville, sees opportunities to turn things around.

Zoe Howard of Kool Guys in Coalville. Photo: Supplied

Weekly Friday markets have started drawing footfall to Newmarket, and new traders, both permanent and casual, are finding success. 

When it opened, the council said it was planning creative events for the space such as vintage car shows, food fairs and even a winter ice rink is on the cards.  When not hosting events, the square could serve as a relaxing area for coffee, cake or ice cream.

Zoe adds that Newmarket and Marlborough Square are invaluable assets for Coalville, and with bold, collaborative leadership, they can complement each other and become central to the town's resurgence. 

She has called for more council and community involvement to transform the area into a true social hub, a friendly and welcoming space where people meet and interact, adding that more free events for the local community would ensure inclusivity, particularly in times of economic hardship when many have little expendable income, all whilst boosting footfall.

Zoe said: "That's one of the reasons we only charged £2 for the Santa's Grotto event, giving people a great experience but keeping it affordable.

"The traders are now organising an Easter Bunny visit, supported by the market team, to continue that spirit of accessibility."

Zoe also highlighted the dedication of Newmarket's traders in offering great value for money and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. 

A notable example is the record trader, who has successfully launched a record swap initiative on Saturdays, bringing in music enthusiasts and fostering a sense of community.

However, one controversial proposal, a bus stop on Marlborough Square, has sparked a backlash from both Craig and Zoe, who said: "Why would anyone want to sit in this beautiful space surrounded by bus fumes?

Coalville councillor Craig Smith. Photo: Supplied

"Even if the bus fleet becomes electric, you'll then have massive vehicle movements, running in silence in and around a pedestrian area."

She emphasised the risk to children and elderly pedestrians and suggests alternative locations, such as the currently vacant former Dunelm site. 

Cllr Smith added: "Thanks to the investment by NWLDC, we now have this fantastic space, it just needs the passion and vision of those who work the market to take it by the horns and release its full potential as an invaluable community asset."