Market ice proves a thaw point

Shaw market at 8.30am on this morning of the market

TRADING at Shaw market was almost frozen yesterday after the recent snowfall caused havoc.

Icy conditions meant setting up stalls was a nightmare for traders, but determined to open as normal, they joined council workers to help clear the snow.

Councillor Jean Stretton, cabinet member for town centres, culture and tourism, said: “We started clearing the site early Thursday morning to open the market. Our resources have been stretched across the borough during the adverse weather and staff have been working around the clock.

But Shaw Councillor Rod Blyth hit out at the council for failing to clear the market site ready for opening: “This is Labour ignoring Shaw market in an attempt to kill it off before moving it against the wishes of local people and traders,” he claimed