Published at 11:10, Thursday, 15 December 2011

THE bustle of market days could return to a town centre from 2012 if traders have their way.

Members of Millom and District Business Forum met councillors to discuss bringing stalls back to Market Square in the town.

The topic has been controversial but at last week’s meeting a handful of traders and councillors both agreed a market could benefit the town.

To make sure the town can have its say, a meeting with Copeland Borough Council officers is due to take place early next year.

Coun Ray Cole said: “Ideally, Market Square is the place to be. The purpose of the market is to encourage more people to come into the town.”

Previous discussions on a market returning to the town had been hampered by health and safety fears and a lack of possible locations. But South Copeland tourism officer Mark Holroyd said buses which use Market Square have dropped passengers at the nearby St George’s Terrace during events such as the Christmas Festival.

Mr Holroyd said the group would be consulting as many businesses as possible before a market was arranged.

Trudy Harrison, Copeland Council locality officer, said: “There have been comments from residents going back to the Together We Can week in 2010 that the town could do with a market.

“There are already markets in Egremont, Cleator Moor and Whitehaven, and Copeland Borough Council is very open to the suggestion. Whatever the council do they want to ensure prosperity.”

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk