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Algorfa's Zoco Market Is Here To Stay!
Numerous traders of a thriving local market gathered last weekend, in an effort to allay vicious rumours that their days on the site may soon be numbered.
The ‘Zoco’Sunday Market, near Montesinos, has provided a popular trading outlet for local businesses for many years. It is home to professional traders of all nationalities, who offer a variety of services and high quality products at unbeatable prices. These include Pinada Blinds, British Bedding, New 2 You and George Thompson’s Factory Outlet Store to name but a few. Extending a welcome pressure-free approach, Zoco has become an institution, and developed a reputation as one of the friendliest marketplaces in the area.
However, spirits have been significantly dampened recently, amid malicious rumours that it may face closure, due to the construction of a commercial centre on the site. The propaganda allegedly originated from one of the market’s competitors, whose intension, it seems, is to ‘poach’ both traders and punters from the established opposition. The said market recently expanded its provision, now hosting several positions which are available to let. Therefore the threat of closure at Zoco is being offered as a cunning marketing tool to attract new commerce. The Round Town News has also heard reports from residents, that news of Zoco’s closure has even been announced over the tannoy on several occasions during the recent weeks!
Naturally the Management and loyal business owners of Zoco market are extremely concerned at these reports and afraid that the rumours will begin to affect trade if allowed to diffuse.
George Thompson established his factory outlet store in Guardamar nine years ago, delivering a multitude of British necessities to residents of the Costa Blanca. He extended the provision with a stall at Zoco in 2001, and during which time has become a prominent feature of the market. George announced, “Clients have been devastated to learn that the market may be closing, and without cause, as there is not an ounce of truth in the rumour.”
Gordon Boyne of Pinada Blinds, in Formentera, said that the market forms a fundamental element of their business, and provides an outlet to display a range of products to the public. He would like to thank their clients for their continued support, and reassure them that their position within the market will continue for a long time into the future.
Trevor of the illustrious used quality furniture store, New 2 You, in Mar Azul, emphasised the urgency of the situation. He revealed that two clients had approached him during the morning, to say how sorry they were to hear that their favourite market would be no more in two weeks time.
The owner of the marketplace, Antonio Garcia Rodriguez was also extremely anxious that unassuming clients had been given false information about the market. Having spent six years working for the Local Police department and more recently as Treasurer for Almoradí Council, he is a respected figure of the community, with regular access to local development plans. He verified that planning permission has been granted by Algorfa Town Hall for construction of an Eroski Supermarket in Mentebello II. Further petitions are also being considered for a ‘Carrefour’ in Dolores and ‘Mercadona’ in Algorfa and an additional proposal has been submitted to the Valencian Government, for the siting of a multi-million euro shopping mall on the land which lies adjacent to the market place. However, its construction has yet to be approved in Parliament.
Conversely, the market has been a stable entity within the area for several years, and unlike many sites is legally registered for the purpose with the relevant department of Algorfa Town Hall.
Antonio was proud to announce that not only would the market remain in its current position for the foreseeable future, but that he had recently secured a contract to provide additional parking facilities. He concluded by saying that, “It is unjust that fictitious propaganda should be threatening the livelihood of so many honest businesses, which are here trading in good faith.” In essence Zoco market it is a fantastic market, providing a valuable service to the local community, and contrary to the hot gossip of the moment, is well and truly here to stay!