PLANS for a major relaunch of Whitehaven Market have received a "fantastic" response - with almost half the stalls already snapped up.

Copeland Council and Whitehaven Town Council are jointly behind the £65,000 relaunch - set for the end of September - which will see 33 new stalls set up back-to-back down the middle of Market Place.

The town council's Carla Arrighi says that 15 of the stalls have already been taken, and Copeland adds that it is receiving calls "almost daily" from those interested in joining the market.

Mike Starkie, Copeland's mayor, said: "The level of interest in potential uptake of stalls is really positive, fantastic news.

"A number of former shop owners have contacted us looking to get into the market to re-establish their business, and we're looking at setting up business start-up courses to help people use the market as a stepping stone onto the high street.

"The redevelopment of Whitehaven Market is a key project in the regeneration of the town centre - and I'd urge all the residents of Copeland to help make it the success it deserves to be."

The project has been funded by Whitehaven Town Council, to whom Mr Starkie extended his thanks. "It's positive to see the borough council and the town council working for the benefit of the community," he said.

Coun Arrighi added that plans are also being discussed to have 'pop-up shops' in some of the town's empty buildings.

The three-day relaunch, featuring live music and family entertainment, runs from September 29 to October 1, and the market will then run weekly on Thursdays and Saturdays, with free parking on the Ginns on Saturdays.

A new market manager will be employed three days per week to help attract new stalls, including starter stalls to help young entrepreneurs, and stalls to promote established businesses in the town.

Future plans include themed markets, including farmers, craft, continental and Christmas offerings. It is hoped there will also be monthly stalls for local produce, charity and car boot-type sales.

Whitehaven was first granted a market charter in 1672 by Charles II. However, in recent years it has been hit by the rise of discount stores and now only offers a handful of stalls.

The revamp follows months of discussions with stall-holders and local businesses, as well as a survey on the general public’s views.

For more information about the new market revamp or to enquire about trading, visit ‘The Whitehaven Market’ Facebook page, email whitehavenmarket@copeland.gov.uk or call 01946 593014.