TRADERS in Darwen Market have said it has been their ‘best-ever Christmas’ following the move from the three-day building.

The market hall is now 100 per cent occupied and former three-day traders have admitted they should have been moved sooner.

Market manager Gwen Sangster, who has retired after a decade in her role, also said the traders move was the ‘highlight’ of her career.

Earlier this year the three-day building was closed in preparation for its demolition.

Initially the plan was met with opposition as a petition was signed by more than 3,000 people to keep the three-day building open.

But Mrs Sangster, 62, said even traders who were wary about the move were happier than ever.

She said: “The highlight of my career has been this final project.

“The market is vibrant and the atmosphere is wonderful which is so rewarding.

“I feel like I am going out on a real high but this won’t be the end as I will still come and shop in Darwen.

“I can understand that a lot of traders did not want the change because it was so big but we stayed positive because we knew what it was going to end up like.

“Traders are now really happy and have enjoyed a full market.

“I can safely say over the years some traders and customers have become my friends.”

David Smith, Deborah Holdsworth, Anita Coupe and Colin Lowe will now form the management team at the market.

In a report last year by Cllr Phil Riley, the council’s executive member for regeneration, the three-day building was branded as ‘fundamentally obsolete’.

Karen Hawthornthwaite, 45, who runs Candy Rush, said: “It has been better than any Christmas I ever had in the three-day building and I think it’s a move that should have been made a lot sooner.

“I cannot explain the buzz in the place, it’s just been amazing.”

David Livesey, of Woods Fruit and Veg, said: “The Friday before Christmas Eve was our busiest day ever and I had spent five years on the three-day market.

“I’m getting customers who didn’t even realise I was ever on the three-day. I was wary at first but it has been a very positive move.”