EIGHT new units have been let at Burnley Market as traders seek to overcome the current economic blues.

Borough council bosses are drawing up a support package for stallholders on the Curzon Street markets, in a bid to reverse the impact of the credit crunch.

Deputy council leader Margaret Lishman, the cabinet member responsible for the markets, predicted in December that traders faced tough times ahead.

Woolworths has since closed down and shopkeepers across the town have had to tighten their belts.

But Coun Lishman stated, in a report to Burnley full council, that there are some hopeful signs on the markets, in the first two months of 2009.

She said: “Footfall in the Market Hall is showing a slight increase for the first eight weeks of this year.

“As a percentage of total shopping centre visits we are seeing our share increase, reflecting like many other (places), difficult times for the town centre.

“A support package has been agreed and is in the course of being implemented for existing Market Hall tenants, to be effective from April until September.

“More flexible lease terms are being introduced to encourage new tenant interest and encourage different product lines.

“Enquiries for the Market Hall are increasing and a total of eight additional units have been let.”