Page 34 - MarketTimesOctober2013
P. 34

In days gone by there was a big circus on the site owned by a Mr Santi, which burned down in 1915, he said.
Further back, in the 1890s, they used to set up a boxing ring in the market place.
And as late at the 1950s, farmers used to put the feet of their ducks and geese in tar so that they could make the long trek to market.
Chorley’s covered market has capitalised on the success of The Flat Iron. Held every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, it had a major revamp in 1996 funded by Chorley Council which included a covered central aisle,
bright new lighting, a more spacious layout and new flooring with clearly marked access.
Then, in 2010, it was the turn of The Flat Iron, which was transformed by the introduction of the new gazebos, which replaced the tired old stalls.
The revamp followed a campaign by traders against a plan by the council to bring in a private company to run the market.
Marie Kay, who sells ladies’ underwear on the Flat Iron, said: “We started a petition against the plan and won. Since the council introduced the new gazebos the footfall has
improved and I find it a very busy market compared to Stockport, which I also stand.”
Marie followed in the footsteps of her father- in-law, Geoff Kay, a well-known market trader who began selling hosiery on the market in 1969.
“It’s not like the old days, but my business is ticking over and I love the banter and the people,” Marie said.
Derek Walsh, who has been selling books on the market for 35 years, agrees. “We did go through a slump, but the new gazebos have totally revitalised the market and now footfall
  Sam Kendal has moved from a shop to Chorley market where she sells healing and spiritual products. She is pictured with her business partner Brian Armitage
Derek Walsh, who sells second hand books on the Flat Iron, followed his father into market trading. He is pictured with his daughter, Eloise, 16
Marie Kay, who also stands Stockport Market, finds Chorley an excellent market. She followed in the footsteps of her father-in-law, Geoff Kay, who started selling hosiery and tights on a market stall in 1969
Lynne Hardacre has expanded her babywear and children’s clothes business in the covered market since taking it over three years ago
  34


















































































   32   33   34   35   36