AFTER 41 years, Darreners will today wave goodbye to the three-day market.

After the last day of trading in the building, the remaining stallholders will this week move into the six-day market, marking what many regard as ‘the end of an era’.

Fourteen of the three-day traders will be based in the six-day building while the other three will retire.

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The three-day building is set to be demolished in the new year to make way for a new development of shops and cafes.

Retiring as traders are Terry and Eileen Guy who run The Grotto which sells frames, ornaments, gifts and jewellery.

Mrs Guy has been on the market since she was 12 when she helped out her parents on the stall, before taking it over herself 36 years ago.

The 72-year-old said she would miss the interaction with the Darwen people the most.

She said: “We have seen a lot of changes while we have been on the market, but one thing that has stuck is the amazing interaction you have with the customers.

“They are so loyal and I will miss them. I have a lot of regulars, some of them I have watched grow up from being kids in prams to adults.”

In a report by Cllr Phil Riley, the council’s executive member for regeneration, the building was branded as ‘fundamentally obsolete’ and highlighted a drop in footfall.

For a number of months many were critical of the subsequent decision to demolish the building, with more than 3,000 people signing a petition against it.

However trader Steff Rostron, of Steff’s Pets, said she was looking forward to the move.

She said: “I hope that people will come over and continue to support us all, it’s over in the six-day now and I think it will be excellent.

“I will miss the spirit of the three-day and it is the end of an era but I think there’s a good atmosphere over there and I’m looking forward to it.”

Regular customer Sue Sulley, 58, said: “I think this can only be a positive move for Darwen. I love coming to the market because it’s so close-knit.”

“I hope that the space will be used to serve the community well.”