The award-winning Uplands Market has been a regular feature in the community for more than seven years, with Welsh food, drink and craft traders pitching up their stalls in Gwydr Crescent once a month.
It was last held in early November before coronavirus lockdown restrictions forced its suspension, and obviously disappeared during the lockdown in the first part of 2020. But with Covid-19 regulations slowly easing, it is due to once again be held on Saturday morning.
With bright sunshine forecast, and people itching to get out after months of lockdown, organisers are hoping for a good turn out and a welcome boost for stall holders.
But some existing traders have said that while they support the idea of a market, trading circumstances aren't fair on everyone. They have also questioned whether the site is the best one available. And they are seeking reassurances social distancing will be policed equitably.
Jayne Keely, secretary of Uplands Traders' Association, said: "We are not anti-market at all but it is double edged. The issue is just where it is - it is situated right outside existing traders' premises, who already pay extortionate rates and overheads, and that is unfair.
"On market days trade for the commercial area is restricted; I know some hairdressers have had customers reschedule appointments because they know they will not be able to get near the salon. Some of the eateries can't serve as many people as they would like because of Covid regulations which mean they can't eat outside, but how well will social distancing be regulated for people eating what they buy from the market?
"Will there be anyone moving them on six foot from where they purchased something to where they eat it? The market traders get special dispensation enabling them to park on double yellow lines, and that is unfair on our traders and our customers.
"It was originally started without consultation with existing traders, there were no planning notices pinned to lamposts. With everyone returning post lockdown I do not doubt people will be delighted to return and have a romantic notion that they have somewhere to go, but businesses have to stick to very strict regulations, and it makes it unfair competition. A few traders benefit, but it is very divisive.
"The market is a lovely idea, but we have alternative places it could go, such as Singleton, or The Grove, or the rec. Alternatively, it could be held on a Sunday, as there wouldn’t be any conflict with any Uplands traders".
The market, which was named one of the top ten best UK food markets by a national newspaper, was launched in 2013 and has proved so popular similar events now also feature in the Marina, Mumbles and Port Talbot, while another first event launched last week in Glynneath.
One business, Parkmill-based Little Valley Bakery, described the markets on social media as 'an important platform for small businesses to get out there and give it a go.
They added: "They have without doubt contributed to many businesses finding their voice and development. Their contribution to the local economy on a small business scale is brilliant".
Rebecca Cobley, of Crumbs Kitchen in Gwydr Square, said: "The market has a positive impact on our business. It's often our busiest day of the month. We even have regular customers who come to us every Uplands Market after they've had a stroll around and bought some local produce on offer".
And Neil Navarra, of Done + Dusted sandwich bar, said: "Uplands Market is the busiest day of the month for me. I’ve found it attracts people from outside of the area also, which introduces new customers".
Urban Foundry, organiser of Uplands Market, said they would be implementing a range of Covid safety measures, including amending the layouts to create a one way system with more circulation space and providing handwash stations.
Ben Reynolds of Urban Foundry said all traders were small micro-businesses, more than half were based in the Swansea county area, and 90% came from within the Swansea Bay region.
He added: “We have had ongoing discussion with Swansea Council to ensure we can bring the market back and we’re delighted that it will be returning in the same Covid-safe format that we operated in the period between the first and second lockdowns last year. The markets support small local producers from Swansea and south west Wales, selling artisan goods made in the local area, many of whom have not had the same government grants as permanent retailers, so we’re so glad they have been able to survive and can now get their chance to trade again.
"The overwhelmingly positive support we have had from local residents online and directly, many of whom have told us how much they’ve missed the markets during lockdown, has been so lovely to receive.”
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Mr Reynolds said research with a sample of 150 respondents conducted with the two local universities pre-Covid had shown two thirds of visitors were only in the area because of the street market. He said it also showed more than two-thirds of market-goers said they were more likely to visit other shops and cafes in the area on market day, compared to other days, and 20% would spend on average between £10 and £24 on other local shops on market days.
He added that the market had featured on the BBC, ITV's Coast and Country and in The Observer and Daily Telegraph.
Uplands councillor Nick Davies said: "It's good to see the hugely popular Uplands Market returning this Saturday, under Covid-safe conditions. It brings quality Welsh produce to the community, increases footfall and, if only for a few hours at a time, takes public space from the car and gives it back to people. It's a much-loved community event.
"Along with sustainable food and community well-being, Uplands Market is doing it's share for Swansea's tourism and regeneration effort as well".
A Swansea Council spokesman said a full Covid-19 risk assessment had been carried out and council officers would be on site to ensure regulations were adhered to.
He added that traders were able to park on yellow lines as there was a temporary full road closure in place to allow the market to be held.
The market will take place in Gwydr Square on Saturday, April 24, between 9am and 1pm.
