New operators could take over markets
BBCNew operators could be brought in to run markets in parts of Cheshire.
Cheshire East Council is to look into finding potential new operators, or transfer sites to town and parish council control, for its markets in Congleton, Crewe, Macclesfield and Wilmslow.
Mick Warren, the cabinet member for planning, housing and regeneration, said the authority recognised it did not have the resources to "maximise the potential" of the markets.
Some of its markets, such as those in Knutsford, Nantwich and Sandbach, are already run by the town councils.
Congleton has an outdoor and indoor market open twice a week, Macclesfield has an indoor market inside a shopping centre and in Crewe the council operates a site in the refurbished historic market hall. Wilmslow market is a single stall.
The council said it is looking at different options for each site.
Markets were an "important contributor to town centre vitality", Warren said.
But the four markets currently operate at a financial loss, he added.
"The council recognises it doesn't have the resources to maximise the potential of the markets".
He added the move would also reduce the council's exposure to financial risk.
The plans were backed at a meeting of the council's cabinet.
In other parts of the county, councils have invested in new markets.
Cheshire West councillor Nathan Pardoe told BBC Politics North West councils "can't afford not to" invest in markets.
"Town centres, they've changed and public expectations have changed and this is a part of the council's response to that," he said.
"Markets are a way to get people back into town centres, attract new demand and bring people into the high street," he said.
He added since the opening in September more than 50,000 people had visited the market in Northwich.
Affordability for a market stall is also important for traders.
Ian McArdle, who owns coffee shop Bean and Cole, has a shop in Chester as well as sites in the markets in Chester and Northwich.
"Markets have been really good to us as a business," he said.
"It allowed us to bring our product to a mass of people with a footfall and seating area much bigger than a shop we could ever afford," he said.
The cost is also something RetroFits co-owner Nicola Ashbrook highlights.
"We couldn't afford a high street store," she said.
"The rent would've been too high for the size of property which is why this was an amazing opportunity to be central, to be on the high street."
Clare Forster's business The Style Hut was previously in Northwich's old market - she is the only trader who chose to move to the new site.
She said she liked the "community feel" of trading from a market.
"The market's allowed my business to grow and I wouldn't have that in a shop, I get the local people in because they're coming to other businesses."
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