THE owner of the company awarded the contract run Altrincham Market has sought to reassure market traders and users that the ‘difficult’ transitional period at the Greenwood Street site will be worthwhile once works are completed in July.

More than £1m is being invested by Trafford Council in the creation of a new market square and the refurbishment of the listed Market House and covered market, which will move many of the traditional stallholders closer to the centre of the town


But some of the changes have meant some stalls have been moved to temporary shipping containers, which has been met with intense opposition by some.

Several readers have written to Messenger to express their concern and Leslie Cox, who runs a florist stall on the market, has labelled them a ‘disgrace’.
 

“I think they’re dreadful, absolutely appalling,” said Leslie.
 

He added that he thought changes at the market are a good idea in general, but expressed concern about a lack of consultation with traders.


But other traders are less sceptical, including Winnie Greene, who has run a bag stall at the market for 35 years.
 

“My biggest concern about moving was that customers wouldn’t find us, but I’m finding that they are,” said Winnie.


“It’s like anything, nobody wants change and I do believe that this move will be better for the market generally.”


Nick Johnson, of Market Operations, the company which currently runs the market, said: “Altrincham Market represents the future of Altrincham and is at the heart of plans to transform the town.

“Unfortunately there have been construction delays which have meant that the period of transition which was always going to be difficult, has been longer and more disruptive than planned.
 

“This is however, an exciting new chapter in the market's history and will ensure it remains both vibrant and relevant and once works are completed in early July.”