A KEY market trader in Knutsford has welcomed the town council’s acquisition of the indoor market hall.

The future of the site, on Silk Mill Street, will be formally sealed next week when Knutsford Town Council takes on the operation and upkeep from Cheshire East Council.

A deal was agreed in October 2012 for the market hall – which operates on a Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, as well as the Farmers Market on the first Saturday of each month – and was transferred for £1 with the borough authority also awarding the town council £20,000 to ensure a ‘smooth purchase transition’.

In the past some traders have told the Guardian they were unhappy with the service provided by Cheshire East Council.

Alan Bolshaw, owner of Alan’s Fruit and Veg stall at the hall, said he was happy with the agreement and was looking forward to support from the town council.

“I think it is a very good thing for us because they seem to care and they want to improve the market,” he said.

“They want to reward our hardwork and Cheshire East didn’t seem to value anything that we did. Adam (Keppel-Garner, town centre manager) is a very nice chap and he has come in and asked us what we want.

“It’s also good that they are just around the corner and they have said they will do a website and advertise the market which hasn’t been done before.

“We’re here to serve the people of Knutsford provide a service and it’s nice to be appreciated for a change.”

The market was 50 years old in April and Alan said opportunities to make the most of landmarks like that were missed under Cheshire East Council’s stewardship.

“Problem we have is that nobody knows we are here,” Alan added.

“That’s is from people who have lived here for 20 odd years. The town council has said it will sort the front of the building out and all we really need is a bit of support.”

Do you use Knutsford’s indoor market? What do you think about it? Email our newsdesk at knutsford@guardiangrp.co.uk. Or leave a comment below.