A NEW monthly market is set to launch in Burnley this week.

Traders from Burnley Market in Curzon Street are to set up in the Market Square in Charter Walk in a bid to give shoppers a taste of what is on offer in the main Market Hall.

Usually it will be held on the first Thursday of the month throughout the summer however the first one will take place this week.

Community leaders hope the scheme will encourage more people to visit the indoor market.

Initially 16 of the traders will be taking part selling a range of foods, fashion, flowers, technology and haberdashery items.

Market trader Carol Beswick, who runs Florist Lancashire, said the aim is to boost footfall to the market.

She said: “There were about four or five of us who thought it would be a good idea.

“The food market is there every year but we approached the council and said ‘can we do a general market once a month?’

“It will give people a taster of what is in the main market with a range of products on offer.

“It will be held this coming Thursday and then the first Thursday of the month after that.

“We are hoping to hold one in the run-up to Christmas as well.”

She said there is a larger footfall through the town centre with the Market Square being near the shopping centre and used as a thoroughfare for the bus station.

In January the market was crowned the Best Large Indoor Market award at the British Market of the Year awards in Birmingham.

Mrs Beswick said: “I have been here for about five years and have expanded.

“The market was struggling but it is regenerating and picking up.

“We just need to let people know about us.”

Cllr Sue Graham, Burnley Council’s executive member responsible for the market, said: “Burnley Market is part of the town’s heritage.

“It is something, like a lot of markets across the country, that has suffered from an increasing number of pound shops and people buying things online.

“I think there are a lot of people who do not really know what Burnley Market has to offer and hopefully this will encourage them to visit it more.

“I hope the people of Burnley will support the market and what it is trying to do to encourage the vitality of the town centre.”

The indoor market currently has more than 50 traders.

The outdoor market will be held in the Market Square between 10.30am and 4pm.

Burnley Markets manager Marie Shaw said: “We’re delighted to be holding a Summer Street Market in the Charter Walk area of town which we’re sure will create a real buzz.

“Why not come along on Thursday and enjoy what’s on offer?”