Market Towns

Part 1

Characteristics, roles and policy

With the loss of livestock and produce markets in most towns, there is no clear picture of what defines a place as a ‘market town’. This absence of a clear definition inhibits our ability to undertake analysis, develop policy and understand what works where and why. Through a detailed consideration of over 200 market towns, Chapter 2 provides a framework for analysis developed through consideration of their functional roles. This framework is developed using statistical analysis (descriptive, regression and cluster) and detailed data on: location and accessibility; characteristics of town residents; structure of the economy; affluence and deprivation, visitor attractions; and services. Through the use ...