IT has been 10 years to the day since Bolton Market Hall closed its doors.

The controversial closure, which provoked a petition signed by more than 80,000 people, meant that more than 50 traders, some of whom had been in the hall since it opened in 1855, had to close.

Many simply shut up shop, however some relocated to the Ashburner Street Market, which is still going today.

One of those that made the move was Allan Woodcock.

The 58-year-old, who runs TXC—Technology Exchange Centre— a CD and DVD stall, speaks fondly of his time in the Market Hall.

He said: “It was the retail heart of Bolton. There was nothing like it at the time, it was unique.

“People came from everywhere. It was so busy, and the atmosphere was fantastic.

"Nowadays there is not quite the queue of people there once was but customers still visit from afar."

Mr Woodcock, who has had his market stall since 1989, said everyone was “gutted” when the closure was announced.

He added: “We were all really upset – it was a massive mistake to close it. Looking back now, you didn’t realise just how good it was there.

“I think only four or five traders came across here and there are just two of us left now."

Following the closure of the Market Hall, a £30 million revamp was undertaken to convert it into a shopping mall which became the Market Place Shopping Centre.

It has since undergone a further £20m refurbishment, welcoming a number of High Street stores and the recently opened restaurants in The Vaults.

There is also a nine-screen cinema operated by The Light which opened at the end of last year.