Street market go-ahead

A 350-name petition failed to stall controversial plans for the switch to a street market

PLANS to permanently move Shaw market to the town’s main street have been approved - despite a 350-name petition against the plan.

The decision to switch stalls to Market Street for a 10-week trial was made to stem a decline in trade and a report suggests it has worked.

Local Liberal Democrat councillors — who hold all three of Shaw’s seats on the council — hit out at the plan from the start, insisting money should instead be invested in the existing site. They collected more than 350 signatures for a petition against the plans.

But Councillor Eddie Moores, deputy cabinet member for the local economy, said: “The overwhelming response from the consultation was that people want the market on Market Street permanently - and we are happy to make that happen. Hopefully the market can thrive for many years to come.”