A NEW partnership is transforming Rawtenstall Market - according to council bosses.

Rossendale Council joined forced with a local social enterprise The Clog Market – to revamp the historic market and make it a destination place to shop and socialise in the area.

The council entered a year-long pilot partnership with Jane Boys, the owner of the Clog Market, to modernise and revamp the market, which is open on Thursdays and Sundays.

Rossendale Council continue to own the market business and the market site but the day to day running has been taken on by Clog Market management.

Ms Boys said: “I wanted to see the market reach its full potential. There is a lot of public support for Rawtenstall Market and it is a fantastic venue.

"We have started with a few cosmetic upgrades, it looks lighter and brighter already.

“There is an abundance of positivity and support for us in the town but we want everyone to come and take a look for themselves."

“New traders to Rawtenstall already love the changed atmosphere and appearance of the market, they appreciate the change of management and the new ways of working I have implemented.

"We want it to become a vibrant marketplace where people shop, meet up with family and friends, socialise and enjoy themselves."

New events and activities have been put on including an artisan market every third Saturday of the month, cake decorating classes, pottery painting and Friday night socials outside depending on the weather.

Rossendale Council leader, Cllr Alyson Barnes, said: “It is fantastic to see what is happening at the market, there is a change every time you come in and it is looking amazing.

"I am really happy to be working in partnership with Jane Boys to make a difference here.

“There was always potential here, it was just a case of getting someone to realise that vision, and we are really seeing a difference now with the changes that Jane has started to make.

“We needed a solution similar to the one at the Whitaker Museum, which has been completely transformed. Jane and her team look like they are unleashing all its potential.

“Rawtenstall in on the up. As people can see, with a bit of imagination, vision and partnership working, town centres can buck the trend and be reinvigorated.

“In the next 12 months this is set to be a great market and I think it will be the place to be.”