STALL occupancy at Darwen market has now stabilised at more than 70 per cent.

Now its bosses are looking to attract more traders and new customers in the coming year.

Following the consolidation of stallholders in the six-day market and annexe following the controversial closure of the three-day hall in November 2016, occupancy has risen to 72 per cent.

This compares to 71 per cent in January last year with six new traders coming on board in 2018.

Blackburn with Darwen Council Markets manager Clare Turner said: “After some difficult times, there is a really positive feel about it. Darwen Market saw increased footfall and sales at Christmas and traders have reported seeing lots of new faces among their customers.”

Darwen East and town council Mayor Cllr Roy Davies said: “The market certainly seems a lot fuller.

“There is definitely something there but it needs more variety.”