New lease of life for market (From Middlewich Guardian)

New lease of life for market

9:00am Thursday 2nd July 2009

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MIDDLEWICH’S weekly market is set to be improved for 2010.

Cheshire East Council takes over the operation of the market today, July 1, and has promised to review how it operates over the next year.

Representatives from the authority will be looking for any changes that can be made to assist town traders and residents.

A council spokesman said: “The possibility of there being improvements is certainly there over the next year.

“If there are ways we can improve the running of Middlewich market we will do it but nothing is decided at the moment.”

Middlewich’s market is held in the car park behind Southway and accomodates about six stalls every Tuesday.

Alan Langley, who visits the market every Tuesday, hopes that the possible improvements will see more traders from neighbouring markets coming to Middlewich.

There are also calls for the market to be brought into the town centre, which would be possible if the roads were closed for a few hours each week.

Mr Langley, of Lindisfarne Close, added: “A lot of people won’t walk up to the car park but if the market was in the streets one day a week it would attract more people.”

Town centre events manager Dave Thompson agreed.

He said: “I really do hope we can move the market into the town centre and reinvigorate with more variety of stalls. I’m looking forward to working with Cheshire East on this.”

Clr Jamie Macrae, portfolio holder for prosperity, added: “Cheshire East Council strongly supports retail markets and recognises the valuable contribution that they make to our towns.

“By resuming the direct running of this market we hope to extend this support, with advice and best practice operations available for the benefit of traders.

“I would like to thank all market customers for their continued support and of course traders for their perseverance and hard work.

“I would urge all Middlewich residents to keep supporting their local market.”

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