SHOPPERS are being urged to support the final artisan market in Northwich on Saturday, September 14, in a bid to make it permanent.

The market is the last of a three-month trial and organisers hope to make it their best so that Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) asks them back.

Northwich Town Council has already backed the event, which brings more than 80 artisan traders to the town centre, and councillors voted to extend the trial for another three months if possible.

Clr Brian Jamieson, who suggested the extension because the market attracts people to the town centre, said: “Northwich has got lots of independent shops and people were surprised by that when they came into town for the first time.

“People will come back now because it was really an eye opener for them.

“A lot of people I spoke to had come up from Staffordshire and there were people from Wilsmlow – we’re getting a range of people in the town who wouldn’t normally come into town and they’re seeing the range of shops and value and will return.”

Clr Gaynor Sinar, a CWAC councillor who also runs a shop in Witton Street, said: “The markets have been very popular and I would say to CWAC that we should continue with them.

“Not all the traders were positive and one or two said they don’t get as many people through the door on the day.

“My attitude is don’t wait for people to come in but get a stall on the market, if you can’t beat them, join them.”

The September market will start lower down in Witton Street and run to the Bull Ring because of public realm works taking place between the library and the Iceland store.

The street food arena will be outside the market hall and there will also be children’s funfair rides in Weaver Square.

Development of the Arts in Northwich (DAN) has also arranged entertainment for the day, including amateur operatics and the Air Cadet band, and acts from Amplify youth music project will perform in the street food arena.