MARKET GETS REVAMP (From Warrington Guardian)

MARKET GETS REVAMP

MORE than £40,000 worth of improvements have been earmarked for Congleton's ailing market as part of a radical rescue plan.

The work is aimed at attracting more traders and shoppers to the market, which borough chiefs fear could close unless action is taken to drum up business.

Under the plans more than £24,000 would be spent on improving the market hall, and a further £16,000 on market stalls and canopies.

"The market has undoubtedly been the worst affected by the national decline in the market industry, compounded by its unattractive layout and design within the Bridestones Centre,'' said borough amenities head Bob Hardiker.

"The market is declining to the extent that it could disappear unless positive action is taken to rejuvenate it through refurbishment and possible relocation to encourage an increase in traders."

Poor support for the Saturday market recently prompted the council to offer traders a 25 per cent cut in stall charges in a bid to retain existing traders and attract new ones. Councillors are being asked to extend the reduction to December.

The twice weekly market made a profit of £20,734 in 1996/97, which fell to £17,262 in 1997/98, and is expected to drop to £5,830 for the 12 months to the end of March.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.