Blackburn's sarsaparilla stall not moving into new market

Teresa Barnes took over R Walsh and Co when her husband Peter died at the age of 66 in December.

Mrs Barnes, 57, said: “It’s closed down at the moment, but it’s not closed for good.

"It’s dormant while I see how the new market does.”

Worker Kieran Dawe features in the council’s promotional material for the new £8million market, which is due to open in May, three months later than intended, in the groundfloor of the Church Street shopping centre extension.

Mr Dawe has now been let go.

There will be 61 food stalls, 50 non-food stalls, nine café or catering stalls and six mini shops at the new market.

The council said two thirds of the pitches had already been allocated, both to existing and new traders.

But many stallholders have decided to leave town rather than make the move, due to the increased trading days and need to commit to three years.

Rents in the current market have been reduced to compensate traders for the delay.

But Mrs Barnes said: “Three years is a big commitment.

"It’s a big risk, so I want to see how the new market goes before any commitment.

“If it is a success, then maybe our stall will reopen there.“ Mr Barnes, who lived in Lammack Road, Blackburn, began work on the stall, which was first opened in King Street, as an eight-year-old, moving barrels to earn pocket money.

His mum Phyllis also worked on the stall until she was 82.

When the original owner died, Mr Barnes took over, but he would never reveal the recipe for his sarsaparilla, which was brewed in nearby Hamilton Street.

Mrs Barnes said: “When people who had moved to other countries like Australia came back to visit, they’d always pick up some sarsaparilla extract to make up at home.

“When I shut the stall last week someone from Birmingham had come up and I got a bit emotional having to tell him.

“I’d like to thank all the customers for their support and loyaly over the years, and hope to see them in the not too distant future.”