ONE of Vale Royal Borough Council's latest recruits is rising to the challenge of giving Northwich and Winsford markets a huge image overhaul.

Market superintendent John Green has put a number of strategies in place to bring the markets into the 21st century since starting seven weeks ago.

John, 58, has worked in markets for 13 years and has already impressed market traders with his enthusiasm and ideas.

A computerised air conditioning unit is due to be installed in Winsford market and Northwich market is currently undergoing a significant makeover.

This includes removing 20 unused stalls to create space and reorganising remaining plots to form a boulevard market place.

John Brade, chairman of the National Markets Federation's Northwich branch, described John's ideas as "revolutionary".

He said: "This market has been stagnant for years and John is injecting some life back into it."

He added that it was very important to have John as the interface between the borough council and traders.

Pamela Benyon, another Northwich stall holder, said: "His ideas are great for the market."

John also hopes to draw new people into the town by introducing themed markets.

He said: "To drive customers into the market, a range of themed events are planned for both markets over the coming months."

John believes 2004 will be a year of change for the markets and the biggest challenge he faces is deciding how to develop things.

He added: "There are so many possibilities. I want to make Northwich and Winsford markets the envy of other boroughs."

He acknowledged the closure of the Hayhurst Bridge had caused difficulties but hoped the re-launch of Northwich market would off-set some of the problems.

Northwich's new-look market will be launched to coincide with the forthcoming Thundersprint event on Sunday, May 9, where 75,000 people are expected.

gsproston@guardiangrp.co.uk