IT is with great sadness, and anger that I read Farnworth market is to close.

After 100 years of a market in the town, this really is bad news for the stallholders, and the public.

We hear that another site was not feasible due to a lack of interest from stallholders.

This is not surprising when you consider that the market has been under threat for the past two years, many local traders looked, and have gone elsewhere, Cllr Noel Spencer Labour representative for Farnworth, says it a sad day, what an understatement.Local markets bring character to a town, offer a valuable community service, and what’s more local traders profits tend to remain in the local economy, unlike national outlets. The Green Party believes in supporting and encouraging local traders and businesses, so it a no brainer, money spent by the public in local businesses has got to be good for our local economy.

When one thinks of what happened to our once magnificent Market Hall, sold off to national retail outlets, were money spent is taken out of our local economy, in profits for their shareholders.When you look at all the shops closed in Bolton borough, that were run by local traders, it is nothing short of a disgrace.

Our council over the years has presided, over what we have now, a town that has lost it’s soul, and distinct character. So Bolton Council do the right thing and first of all save Farnworth Market.

Alan Johnson

Bolton Green Party