20 NEWS Not the end of the line after all


A historic Greater Manchester market that was due to see its last ever trading day on October 14 has been granted an eleventh hour reprieve. Rochdale Council has agreed


to let traders operate the town’s market after a new proposal on how it could be run was put forward. The new plan means one of


the existing traders (who at the time of going to press had yet to be named) is running the market


independently, after the council relinquished control at the close of trading on Monday October 14. Intensive discussions have


taken place between council staff, traders and councillors since it was announced in September that the market could no longer be financially subsidised by the local authority. The decision was taken due


to fluctuating attendances at the market, which was costing the


council between £3,000 and £4,000 a month to keep operational. Under the new agreement some stallholders will continue to trade outdoors on the area known as The Butts, while others have been found new homes in the town’s Wheatsheaf shopping centre, which has made space available for two traders. Well known local trader Peter Jordan, affectionately known as the ‘egg man’, will move into the shopping centre, where he will be joined by Alison Melia’s watch accessories stall. However, the indoor food


market that operated from the old Santander building – including a popular café on the first floor – could not be saved. Cllr John Blundell, cabinet member for regeneration, business, skills and employment, called the outcome a “win-win” situation for everyone involved. “I am really happy a trader has


come forward with new proposals,” he said. “I could always see the market working, as long as it had the right people running it. “This is why we asked the traders


for a plan on how they could run it themselves earlier in the year. “Now I think they have the right


The vision for Rochdale Market is still alive.


ideas for taking the market forward, and those that wanted an indoor market have found a home in the Wheatsheaf. “In the medium term we


MARKET TRADER, OCTOBER 25 - NOVEMBER 7, 2019


have saved the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds and hopefully have retained Rochdale’s market. “I’d like to thank everyone


for pulling together to find a solution and I wish everyone every success in the future.” Leader of the Conservative


group, Cllr Ashley Dearnley, who took part in the discussions to save the market, said: “It has been encouraging that we have all been able to work together


to find a solution for the market. “I wish the traders every success


in their new venture and encourage everyone in Rochdale to support them.” The final details of the proposal


were due to be ironed out to allow the outdoor ‘Riverbank Market’ to continue operating for the foreseeable future, The market hall building will remain closed until a suitable alternative use can be found for it.


Silver milestone for trader


A popular retailer has celebrated his silver anniversary of trading at a Cheshire town’s market hall, local media has reported. Trader Michael Brown runs Mike’s Poultry and Provisions at Knutsford


Market Hall, and he was presented with a certificate and gift voucher by Town Mayor Cllr Andrew Malloy to recognise 25 years of trading. Having joined the Market Hall in 1994 at the age of 16 as an apprentice


school leaver, Mike bought the stall himself in 2014, and opened his household and pet food store. “I learned my trade from Dave Parker, who originally owned the stall,


and still work with him when I am not in the market,” he told local media. “I have seen lots of changes in the market in the past 25 years. I really


enjoy working here meeting and chatting with customers, young and old, and love the camaraderie between fellow traders. “My mum Lesley will also be familiar with customers – it’s a real family affair here.” Mike’s poultry section specialises in everything you would expect, including chicken, turkey (all year round) and a wide selection of game and all the accompaniments. His jumbo eggs, which are almost all double yolks, are particularly popular. Town centre manager, Sandra Curties, said: “Mike is a stalwart of the


Market Hall, and his range of products and customer service is second to none. “With regards to pet food, it is one of the largest ranges in the town, and


we urge everyone who hasn’t visited in a while to pop in. Congratulations to Michael.” Knutsford Market Hall is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8am to 4pm.


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