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Chorley market stall swap
We've all heard of wife swapping, but two Chorley traders have taken the idea further with their very own stall swap.
Neil Hardman, of Hardman's Fresh is Best, has traded stalls with Julie McAteer, of Julie's Trimmings, as Chorley's market goes from strength-to-strength.
For Neil, the move means he can continue his family's long legacy with the new-look market which spans a century, and for Julie, it's a chance to expand.
Dad-of-two Neil said: "I wanted to make a fresh start and give the stall a makeover.
"I wanted to downsize so I could introduce fresher produce and make sure there is a much faster turnover.
"It was time for a change and when I heard about the chance of moving to Julie's stall, I jumped at it.
"It's a bit like coming back to where it all started as this end of the market, at the entrance facing Fazackerley Street, is closer to where my great-grandad started the business and we still have good friends down here."
It's not the first time that the stall has moved in its 100-year history, but Neil is hoping it's third time lucky and even his children, Matthew and Catherine, are pitching in.
At the opposite end of the market, Julie McAteer has expanded her business to take over the two stalls once occupied by Neil.
She said: "We were desperately struggling for room at the old stall and I wanted to introduce fancy dress and hair extensions.
"I have been able to introduce a much bigger range and I have been very grateful to all of my customers for their continued support. It's been wonderful."
Elsewhere, the market, which has undergone a 300,000 transformation, has attracted new stall holders selling shoes, books, bedding and wool.
Veteran market stallholder John Brennand said: "The market is starting to look really full now and everyone is excited about the prospects.
"The lighting which was installed by Eccleston Electrical has made a real difference and the new roof is a welcomed addition."
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Weather for Chorley
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -3 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: 0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
