WINSFORD Town Council have pledged to better promote the town’s market amid falling footfall figures across the UK.

The market has been a mainstay in the town since 1280, when Edward I granted a charter to hold a Wednesday market and an annual fair at Over.

But like many markets up and down the country, it has suffered from declining footfall in recent years.

At the last Winsford Town Council meeting on Monday, Cllr David Edwards urged his fellow councillors to step up efforts to help promote the market.

Cllr Edwards said: “Winsford is a historical market town, and what I would like to see is the market promoted more it’s also I significant employer in the town.

“Stall holders have been there for many years and it gives people a chance to set up and start a business.

“So when we do things like our council newsletter, maybe we could put a piece in about the market and what it does and also use our noticeboards and another events the council does.

“It’s just about maintaining and creating employment in Winsford and if we’ve got the opportunity I think it would be a good idea to do so.”

Cllr Charlie Parkinson said it was a sad reality that markets across the country are struggling.

He said: “As somebody who has been going to markets every week for god knows how long, I can assure people, all, and I mean all markets have basically had a massive downturn.

“In fact the only one that I’m aware of that is doing very well is Bury market, which is the biggest and best in the whole country.

“But every market you go to guaranteed they’re all having a tough time.”

Cllr Mike Kennedy, mayor of Winsford, said the council should be doing their ‘upmost’ to promote the market.

However he pointed out that it was owned and managed by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Cllr Kennedy said: “We recognise that with the footfall in town centres, markets, they’re all struggling and they all need promoting as much as possible.”

Cllr Edwards added: “Markets as well as businesses are very much a part of the cultural heritage of Britain and long may they continue.”

Winsford market is open Monday, Thursday and Saturday, 9am to 4pm, except Bank Holidays.