CHANGES are being made to a town’s market.

Allerdale Council has announced it will take over the management of Wigton market and others in the district, bringing them in-house from the beginning of June.

Markets in Allerdale are currently run by Geraud Markets UK and held in Wigton, Silloth, Workington and Keswick. The change, which is due to come into effect from June when Geraud’s contract comes to an end, will allow the council to increase its income while not changing the market fee structure for traders as well as giving it the flexibility to try new market formats to meet the needs of businesses, residents and visitors.

Councillor Mike Johnson, the council’s deputy leader, said: “Our markets in Workington, Keswick, Silloth and Wigton provide good business platforms for traders as well as being valued by residents and visitors.

“Bringing the management of the service in-house we hope to build on and improve the markets we currently offer, which we hope will be supported by the traders and customers. I would like to place on record the Council’s thanks to Geraud who have successfully operated the markets contract over many years.”

The move comes following a decision by the authority’s Executive at a meeting in January.