Council slammed for plans to move market to smaller location

Rochdale’s outdoor market is to move to The Butts beside the newly-opened River Roch

Council plans to move Rochdale’s outdoor market to a smaller location beside the newly-opened River Roch have been criticised by town centre campaigner Greg Couzens, who says it is asking for failure.

Mr Couzens said: “Recent studies have shown that all town centres will contract over the next ten years, and Rochdale is in an enviable position of redevelopment and we have but one chance of getting it right.

“Successful markets are located as near to the transport links as possible, a beautiful bridge and open water is crying out for more seating, tourism and themed markets.

“Take the best examples from the likes of Altrincham, it is a highly successful market, we need to learn a lot of we are going to be a successful town market again.”

He added: “How can Richard (Farnell) gloat about heritage, we have the magnificent Grade 1 listed Town Hall and he has just completed the road markings so our jewel in the crown is stuck in the middle of a car park.”

After close to four decades in the Exchange Shopping Centre, Rochdale Market was moved to its current location on the former 'Black Box' site in January 2015.

Council leader Richard Farnell has been accused on social media of throwing market traders around like “a rag doll” and that the new market will be on a site which is “the size of a postage stamp”.

In one post, the leader was described as “Comrade Commissar Farnell and the Politburo” who will "kill the market off once and for all".

Michael Howarth said: “If that is the area to be used to redevelop Rochdale into a thriving town it’s like asking Man United to play at Accrington Stanley's ground. It is small-minded, small thinking and, Mr Farnell, when it comes to high street trading you’re accepting that you are non-league.”

He added: “Millions have been spent on bringing the tram into the town centre to present people with a toy town market. Now, where is my wallet? I will happily pay to park in Bury like the thousands of other deserters.”