Shaw not sold on market move...

SHAW and Crompton Parish Council has recommended the market remains where it is, despite controversial plans to move it.

Parish councillors would rather remove existing stalls, replace them with the pop-up variety and use the rest of the funding to promote the market.

Oldham Council recently announced an investment of £120,000 in the market, on top of £100,000 already pledged to support independent businesses.

Parish council chairman Chris Stephens said: “We would all like to see a busy and vibrant market in Shaw. However, the current proposals to use Market Street or the Milne Street area leave much to be desired. Closing Market Street on Thursdays to accommodate a market is likely to cause chaos.

“The Milne Street proposals will shift footfall away from the primary shopping area resulting in potential business downturn.”

Both options would both involve demolishing stalls on the existing site and using it as a car park.

An initial decision is expected to be made in November. Visit www.oldham.gov.uk to have your say.