THE longstanding manager of Accrington market has stepped down after 16 years of service.

Karen Hall first took up her position in 2001 and left the role yesterday to embark on a ‘new challenge’ at Ciceley Commercial Ltd in Blackburn.

She said the thing she will miss most about the job was the people, and that her highlight was a visit from the Queen in 2012.

Mrs Hall said: “I’ve loved almost every day at that place, I’d say I’ve enjoyed 99.9 per cent of the time.

“The other 0.1 per cent was the grumpy traders.

“It was a fantastic day when the Queen came, she just loved the building.

“But the people are the best part of the job.

“You meet people from all walks of life and two days are never the same.”

In her role as market manager, Mrs Hall has been responsible for organising the layout of the hall and dealing with stallholders requests.

The mother-of-two from Accrington will still visit the market as a customer.

Mrs Hall admitted that shopping had changed a great deal since she first took over the role.

The 52-year-old said: “Retail has changed dramatically in the past 16 years with online shopping and deliveries from supermarkets.

“People’s shopping habits have changed.

“The market needs to makes sure it sings its own praises, it can be the focal point of the town, it’s an iconic site.”

Cameron Smith will takeover as market manager on a full-time basis after being present over recent weeks for a handing over period.

Tributes have been paid to the work Mrs Hall carried out at the market, but people are confident the future is bright.

Cllr Clare Cleary, chairman of the council’s Accrington Town Team, said: “She has been an important part of the market for many years.

“I’m sorry to see her go but people move on.

“It’s about looking to the future now and moving forward, I’m sure there are a lot of exciting times ahead for the market.”

Kathryn Furey, who owns a shop near to the market and has worked with Mrs Hall in the past for events, said: “She will be sorely missed.

“She is just a lovely lady who helped us many times in organising events in the town centre.

“I think everywhere is struggling a the moment but hopefully the new events square will make a massive difference.

“At the end of the day the market depends on the support of the town.”