Credit Crunch Roadshow at Royton

Oldham Council hosted a Credit Crunch Roadshow at Royton Market. Employees of the council ran a stall offering advice and help on dealing with the effects of the ongoing recession.

Kenny, a member of the Economy and Skills Team at the council, said: "We are here to offer advice on debt, starting your own business and childcare."

Kenny went on to add that people at the market had been really positive, despite the state of the economy.

The good feeling at the bustling market was confirmed by a regular trader who said: "Because Royton market is only on once a week it has a family atmosphere."

When asked about possible ideas that the council could implement to help stallholders during the credit crunch, another trader, Jack, said: "The council should provide free parking to get more people down and reduce our rates."

One regular shopper, Doreen, offered advice on how people can save money at this time: "People should come down to this market to save money because it’s cheap."

One of the Roadshow hosts said that a competition had been run in local schools on ways to save money and children had suggested car sharing and shopping at markets instead of big stores.

He added that the council will be hosting further Credit Crunch Roadshows in January and February that will offer advice to businesses to help them during the recession.