Success for new outdoor market in Ashfield

The market, which was previously at Market Place, has moved to Portland Square to “improve the retail environment” in Sutton.

And the stalls had a 100 per cent occupancy on the first day of trading last week.

Councillor Jim Aspinall, ward member for Sutton St. Mary’s, visited the market to talk to shoppers and stall holders.

He said: “The market was bustling and looked very attractive and enticing to shoppers.

The feedback I received was extremely positive from traders and members of the public alike.

“I spent a long time chatting with people and they all agreed that the new location would be a real boost to the market.”

Stallholders were also pleased with the outcome of the first few days.

Fruit and vegetable stall holder, Adie Cartlidge, was pleased with the way people had taken to the new market place.

“I’m delighted the market has moved to a more central position,” he said.

“I am now looking forward to a more prosperous future.”

Food outlet owner, Barry Donaldson, agreed with this, and said it was a bright start for something that was very much needed in Sutton.

Deputy leader of the council, Don Davis, said: “It was really good to see the market so busy.

“I hope this continues and that Sutton’s market goes from strength to strength in the weeks running up to Christmas.”

The market will be open four days a week, with Monday and Wednesday being bargain markets and Friday and Saturday holding a traditional market.

The official launch of the new market place will take place with a harvest festival market on September 26.