Market day is dropped
● RUNCORN town centre’s Tuesday market is being ditched.
The weekly parade of stalls gathering on Church Street will take place for the last time on February 20.
Halton Council said trader numbers have fallen so low that it is no longer viable.
A local authority spokeswoman said Church Street will now be open to traffic and seasonal markets are being considered.
Traders can still apply for a licence to sell on Tuesdays.
Runcorn’s indoor market shut in 2011, and made way for a library and Halton Direct Link office.
The spokeswoman said: “Over some time now we have seen the numbers of traders at Runcorn street market dwindle, to the point that it is no longer financially viable to operate the market.
“We have, therefore, taken the difficult decision to cease operating, with February 20 being the final market day.
“However, we are keen to explore other options for Runcorn, in particular the potential for a seasonal market, which could operate from April to September.
“We would welcome the views of customers and traders on this.
“In the meantime, those traders who can operate from their vans, for example, a fish van, may apply for a street trader licence so they can, if they wish, continue to trade on a Tuesday – although Church Street will now be open to through traffic.”