Weekly market opens - to shoppers' delight

New market opens in Chadderton precinct.

THE eagerly anticipated Chadderton market is now here and hoping to inject some life back into the area.

Shoppers were out in full force yesterday for Oldham Council's launch of the new, traditional market in Chadderton Precinct.

There are currently 12 stalls and the traders will operate between 9am-4pm every Wednesday.

The market ran on Thursdays in the 1920s, on Wellington Street. This continued until around 1935 and then re-started in December 1985 until 2005.

Sara Hewitt, markets and town centre manager, said: "The idea was to enhance the shopping offer in Chadderton.

"Talking to staff, there have been calls for the market to come back from shopkeepers and local residents. We looked into the idea and it seemed viable.

"The feedback from shoppers is they're really pleased with it. We're pleased with the response. It's about wanting to create opportunities for local business to start trading.

"There are opportunities for more stalls. If local businesses are interested then they can contact the markets team."

Abid and Khadija Rahim arrived at 8am to set up their stall, which sells underwear, nightwear and socks. Living in Dukinfield, they also have a stalls at the markets in Longsight and Smithfield in Manchester.

Abid (40) said: "We wanted a new opportunity and we thought, let's go for it. It has been brilliant. The response from customers has been excellent considering it's the first day. They're happy and we're happy. They said their pennies go a little further; it's saving them money."

Customer Anne Radcliffe (76), from Chadderton, was happy to see the return of the market.

"I've got some good bargains," she said. "I think this is brilliant."

Trader James Lambert (37) is selling handbags and purses. He also has a stall at markets in Royton, Middleton and Harpurhey.

James, who lives in Prestwich, said: "I quit my career as a manager at a self-storage unit last year and I thought I would work for myself.

"Customers are really happy. They said they were waiting for a market like this. Everyone has been wishing us good luck and been pleasant."

For Martine Boucher (51), from Royton, the market brought back some memories. She used to have a stall on the old Chadderton market for 19 years, selling a variety of fashion wear.

She said: "You could never make any money on it. But I used to have a real laugh. They need something like this here. This will be great."

Another trader is Gio Abbondandolo, who is selling textiles, curtains and bedding. He also has stalls in Chorley and Royton and is optimistic about the future of the market.

Gio (42), who lives in Rochdale, said: "There's a lot of potential here and good footfall.

"Give it a couple of weeks and it should pick up."

Mildred Bolton (83), from Chadderton said: "I think it's very good. They have some good cotton traders, sheets and bedding. The old market was on the other side. I think this is better.

Neville Bolton (85), agreed: "I think it's better from what I have seen."

Oldham will be taking part in Love Your Local Market, the national celebration of markets, between May 17-31. To get involved visit www.loveyourlocalmarket.co/.

If you would like a stall on Chadderton market, call 0161 770 4515 or email markets@oldham.gov.uk.