RADCLIFFE Market could open on Sundays. There are plans to revive the ailing market and make it once again a focal part of town centre trading.

Hoping to recreate the bustling market of the past, Councillor Barry Briggs, chairman of the Radcliffe Renewal Advisory Committee, has spearheaded new moves with the full support of stall-holders.

He said: "The market is an essential part of regenerating the town and something needed to be done to improve it."

Through him, the market traders have formed a committee which meets Bury Council officers every six weeks.

It means they now have a forum to voice concerns, discuss issues, and look to the long-term future of the market.

A new on-site market superintendent, Mrs Yasmin Ullah, has been appointed specifically for Radcliffe Market.

She has been asked to promote the market and encourage new traders. In recent years the market has not had its own superintendent.

Market regulations, which inhibited competition, have been made more flexible to attract more businesses. "It used to be the case that only one stall of each kind was permitted, but the traders agreed there was a need for more stalls, even if it meant doubling up and increasing competition. Empty stalls were a deterrent to customers," said Coun Briggs.

Other developments include the formation of a community area in the market with a notice-board, chairs and tables, and children's rides. There are plans for a leaflet campaign to promote the market.

Of the possibility of Sunday trading Coun Briggs said: "We have to compete with markets inside the borough as well as outside and this is one way of doing that. The stall-holders are discussing the matter at the moment."

Mrs Breda Malcolm-Hutton, spokesman for Radcliffe Market Traders' Committee, said that as recently as two months ago the market was one-third empty.

"It would have certainly closed within a year if Coun Briggs had not stepped in. It was floundering for years, but no one seemed to be interested. The only contact we used to have with Bury Council was when they came to collect the rent," she said.

"Since Coun Briggs's involvement there have been around ten new stalls, more custom, and more stalls open until 5pm as opposed to shutting early."

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