A NEW partnership led by Barnsley Council has been launched to support markets across the county.

The Regional Market Groups Strategy, championed by NABMA National Association of British Markets, the NMTF, National Markets Trader Federation and the All Party Parliamentary Markets Group will bring together all four councils from across the region.

Once fully established, the South Yorkshire Markets Partnership will be open to partners across the region, supporting a collaborative approach to strengthening town and city centres, sharing best practice and innovation, co-ordinate advocacy for policy and funding and support community and economic initiatives.

Coun Andy Cudworth, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and assets, said: “Markets are vital to local economies and sit at the heart of our thriving communities.

“In Barnsley we’ve always championed markets and we’re proud of its history as a thriving market town for over 777 years.

“This partnership gives us an opportunity to build on that legacy by connecting markets and communities across South Yorkshire, sharing ideas and tackling common challenges together.

“By working together, we can support market growth alongside town centre regeneration, creating sustainable, inclusive destinations that are fit for the future.”