MARKETS in Nelson and Colne could be targeted for improvements following a council review.

A report to the democracy, communications, resources and performance review committee suggests ways to improve the performance of indoor and outdoor markets in the two towns.

The report includes contributions from traders, managers and shoppers who were asked how the markets could be encouraged to thrive. It found there were gaps in the types of stalls available to shoppers and that the markets had an ageing customer base, in particular a lack of young families visiting them.

Questionnaires were handed out in October and 223 shoppers responded with their views. Possible improvements included more stalls selling clothing for men and older women, and products aimed at children.

The report also found more could be done to address the lack of entertainment. It states: "We cannot turn back the clock and remove Boundary Mill or Matalan or 24-hour supermarkets, but there are some measures the council can take to help create the best possible conditions for the markets to retain shoppers and work at broadening the appeal of markets to attract new customers."

Specific recommendations include introducing canopies for outdoor markets, considering further improvements to decor and introducing a collectors' or bric-a-brac market in Nelson to replace the Farmers' Market, which now only operates in Colne.

It also recommends consulting traders on future plans and trends, increasing the marketing budget and fully considering the markets in developing regeneration strategies for the town centres. Councillors will consider the report at a meeting on December 17 at Nelson Town Hall at 7pm.