NORTHWICH market’s cafe will be closed on Thursday due to a one-day strike by public sector workers over pay.

The national strike will force markets across Cheshire to close as the majority of workers responsible for the opening, security, and cleaning of the markets will be participating in the strike.

Usually only the cafe at Northwich market is open on a Thursday but this will remain closed, although the market will be open as normal on Tuesday and Friday.

Winsford market will not be affected by the dispute.

A spokesman for Cheshire West and Chester Council commented: “The authority regrets that it has no alternative but to shut the markets on safety and security grounds and has informed traders accordingly.

“We apologise to members of the public and traders for any inconvenience caused.”