Sunshine launch for new-look market

Photo: Darren Robinson

Town-crier Barry McQueen, stallholder Amoy Lindo, Councillor Dave Hibbert, Councillor Jackie Stanton and town centre policeman Sgt Russ Magnall at the opening of the new stalls

SHOPPERS basked in bright sunshine as they browsed the stalls at Oldham’s brand new street market.

The street market, in Curzon Street and Albion Street, has replaced the once-thriving Tommyfield Outdoor Market and will cater for up to 51 traders.

Visitors can buy anything from fruit and flowers to watches and rugs and there are several refreshments stalls.

The stalls will be put up and taken down every Friday and Saturday with the potential to open on extra days if required.

No more than two stalls will sell the same type of products in a bid to create a good mix for shoppers, and traders will not be positioned outside shops selling the same products.

Selection

Blackpool town-crier Barry McQueen and the four-piece Big Top Band entertained the crowds on the first day of trading.

Springhead pensioner Janet Castle said: “I have had a good look around and I think there’s a good selection of things on offer.

“It’s very convenient for me as it’s close to the bus stop.

“I came to the old outdoor market to shop every week and I will certainly be a regular visitor here from now on. It gets a big thumbs-up from me.”

Amoy Lindo, from Derker, who runs the Caribbean Cuisine stall, said: “The street market is a nice setting and we have had good feedback so far. It is something exciting for the town and I am looking forward to setting up my stall every Friday and Saturday. I have done catering for some time now but the market stall is a new venture for me.”

Town centre policeman Sgt Russ Magnall said: “The street market is very vibrant and puts a new energy into the town centre.

“There is a great, diverse mix of stalls and I will be a regular visitor. We all have to do our bit to make Oldham town centre a success.”

The existing stalls at the back of the indoor market will be demolished and replaced with removable units that can cater for specialist goods on market days.