MIDDLEWICH market is moving to Wheelock Street in a bid to draw more shoppers into the town.

The car park behind Southway which has been the venue for more than 20 years is set to hold its last market on Tuesday, February 23.

Future markets will then be held at the former Cheshire County Council car park opposite Temptations, starting on Tuesday, March 2.

John Leach, market manager for Cheshire East Council, said: “Markets nationwide are under pressure, with a trend of declining footfall.

“We are trying to address this situation in Middlewich by the move to a more central location.”

Moving Middlewich’s market has long been an ambition for town leaders as many considered it to be tucked out of the way which meant traders often struggled.

“It’s great news which I hope benefits the markets traders and the town centre,” added Dave Thompson, town centre events manager.

But although the market is only moving around 400 metres from its current site, there are some concerns about the new venue’s accessibility.

Lindisfarne Close resident Alan Langley, who visits the market every Tuesday, said: “I think it’s a good idea, it’ll be more visible and hopefully bring more people into Wheelock Street.

“But I have reservations as people won’t be able to park nearby.”

On January 20, the Guardian reported that Middlewich farmers’ market had called it a day after four years.

But Mr Thompson added: “The hope is Cheshire East will now also organise the farmers’ market in the town centre at the new market venue.”

At present, Middlewich market has five stalls which sell hardware, cards, flowers, fish and bedding.

However, it is still not known if more traders will be welcomed into the market in March or later in the year.

Mr Leach said: “Markets draw shoppers into our towns and are therefore integral to the continued health of our town centres.”

“In general, markets can provide a social meeting place, with a variety of products sometimes not found in the high street; I hope the move will be seen as adding to the shopping experience in the centre of Middlewich every Tuesday.”