Sponsored by
Plans to revitalise Chorley markets
TRADERS in Chorley claim a £100,000 scheme to revitalise the town's historic market cannot come quick enough after their business was hit by disruptive roadworks.
Council bosses are expected to approve proposals for a three phase development of the Flat Iron Market at the Executive Cabinet meeting next week.
The scheme is aimed at turning Chorley into a contemporary market town and will start with an initial trial of four gazebo-style stalls next April.
Traders welcomed the scheme after suffering a dip in business due to roadworks in nearby Union Street.
They hope the scheme will give them a much-needed boost and draw new people in to the town on market day.
David Livesey 55, owner of Livesey's Fish Shop, said: "Anything that improves the overall appearance of the Flat Iron will be great for trade across the town.
"It has been a difficult year of trading for all of us. It started with the bad weather in January and then the roadworks and also the fact that we are in a recession.
"I think it is good that the market is being revitalised as what was acceptable to shoppers years ago is out-of-date for the younger generations we want to attract now."
Chris Brown, 42, manager of Brown's Butchers, said: "It sounds like a good idea because it will be more attractive and bring more people into the area to shop.
"The covered market and the Flat Iron has got a great reputation with shoppers who come from all over the North West and we have service that outshines the local supermarkets."
Depending on the success of the first phase, there are plans for a further 32 gazebos on the perimeter of the Flat Iron.
Coun Peter Malpas said the idea was designed to provide a 'win-win' situation.
He added: "The idea is to make it more functional for traders and more colourful for shoppers, really adding to the vibrancy of the town centre.
"The gazebos we have looked at are colourful and contemporary, which is exactly what we want for Chorley.
"We're a proud market town with a strong heritage, but we need to be up to date and attractive too.
"Our current stalls are difficult to erect and not ideal for the modern market trader – these gazebos could be ideal.
"Some traders have their own stalls and we won't discourage them for bringing them to Chorley – but they might be able to update them in keeping with our new style, if it goes ahead."
Traffic has been diverted away from Union Street and the Flat Iron car park as part of National Grid works to replace old metal gas pipes in the town with plastic ones.
A spokesman for the company said: "We appreciate that we are causing some short-term pain for traders.
"We apologise for this but the long term benefit of a safety and reliable gas supply for the people of Chorley for many years to come."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Chorley
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
