Market still open for business despite partial closure

The majority of Bury Market is still open for business despite a partial closure to carry out safety works.

Indoor stalls on the market have been closed temporarily while investigations are carried out on the roof and building. This will determine whether any repairs are required, given that some RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) was used in the construction of the building in 1971.

Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and the economy, said: “Bury Market is a national attraction and is rightly called the jewel in Bury’s crown.

“The safety of traders and visitors is our top priority so, as a precaution, we have taken the decision to close the market hall while we carry out further investigatory work.

“These measures only affect the indoor stalls – our large outdoor market, and the fish and meat hall, will remain open for business.

“We are working with the 49 traders affected to find nearby alternative premises for them while this safety work is carried out, and apologise to them – and to all our many visitors – for the inconvenience this will cause.

“Once the site investigations have been carried out, we will be able to announce what remedial work needs to be done, and what the timescale for that will be.

“In the meantime, please show your support for our brilliant market traders and come along and snap up the usual range of bargains in our unique market atmosphere.”

Bury Market dates back to 1440 and has operated from several town centre sites over the centuries. It moved to its current site in the early 1970s after the previous market hall, where Kay Gardens now is, burned down in 1968.

It has won numerous national awards and been voted the nation’s favourite market on two occasions recently.