LOYAL traders and shoppers have spoken of their devastation over news that Farnworth Market cannot be saved.

The historic market — which is believed to have been part of the town for more than 100 years — will shut up shop for good on Friday, February 26.

Plans to run a private market in its place have fallen through, leaving traders no option but to move to another market or cease trading.

John Hill, who runs The Goldman stall, had been meeting with Bolton Council to organise a private market venture but conceded defeat after too few traders signed up to the plans, making it financially unviable.

He said: "A lifeline was thrown which was the private market but several key traders dropped out, it wasn't worth pursuing after that. It was a big commitment and in the circumstances some people couldn't afford it.

"I don't blame the council this time, they offered us other options but it didn't come up trumps.

"A lot of work has all come to nothing which is really sad. It is an end of an era."

Some visitors have been going to the market since their childhood, shopping with their parents or playing at a small fair which was set up near the stalls.

Many blame the rise of the supermarkets and loss of nearby facilities, such as the publics baths in the old arcade, for the drop in number of visitors and traders over recent years.

Gary Mahon, aged 59, from Farnworth, said: "All I can say is it's the equivalent to shutting the old market hall in Bolton — that's how we feel about it in Farnworth.

"It's not progress. You only do so much before you strip the history and heart out of a place.

"It will never be replaced. I know times are changing but sometimes you've got to leave things alone."

While some traders have taken up the offer to relocate to Westhoughton Indoor Market or Bolton Outdoor Market, Tracey and Paul Myatt will lose their outdoor cafe which is known to have queues during the market's busier days.

Despite searching for premises in Farnworth the overheads have proved too costly and they risk losing their livelihood.

Their loyal customers, who are known to turn up in wind, rain and snow, have been left as angry as they are heartbroken at losing the little hub.

Among them are 71-year-old grandmother Helen Packer who has been a market regular since moving to Farnworth 40 years ago.

"I think it's disgusting. I've known people here from Eccles, Urmston, Salford and Manchester. This isn't a cafe, we are not customers, we are all family," she explained.

"Bolton Council just want rid of Farnworth. they don't care about Farnworth as long as Bolton is alright.

"This is people's lives they are messing with. When they shut this place, they may as well put gates on Farnworth and shut it down.

"I blame a lot of the stall holders as well, as soon as there was a rumour that this place was going to close, they all jumped ship."

Mr Hill has taken the offer to relocate to Bolton with his business, but others have felt a move was not viable.

Bob and Susan Sherry specialise in tobacco products but after five years at Farnworth, will cease to run a stall when the market goes and turn to trading online instead.

Mrs Sherry said: "I'm disgusted by it and by how we've been treated.

"We will have to pack in the stall after this because there's lots of these kind of stalls in other markets and we don't want to muscle in on other's trade. Our livelihood is going."

Trader Tom Nuttall operates from several different markets, but after 35 years in Farnworth was saddened to leave his customers behind.

"They have taken it badly, some of them are quite upset because they have been coming to me for 35 years and trust me," he added.

"They are angry that it is being taken away from them.

"It is blow in a social aspect, as well as an economic aspect for Farnworth."

Farnworth councillor Noel Spencer said there had been a legitimate effort made to look at the viable options for keeping the market open but the lack of support made it unviable.

Farnworth market will remain open for business on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays until its last day on February 26.

A council spokesman said: “We understand that the closure of Farnworth Market will be difficult for customers and those who work there.

"We’re pleased that some traders have taken the option to have a stall at either Bolton or Westhoughton Market and we will continue to support them in relocating.

"It has been a difficult decision, but due to the financial climate we’re in, we can no longer afford to subsidise the market at Farnworth.”

The current market space is due to be redeveloped into a new retail area as part of the multi-million pound town centre regeneration by developers St Modwen.

Work to remove the market began back in November 2013 when the first of its three canopies was demolished.

Farnworth Market was to be moved to a new area of the town's Market Precinct but plans fell through due to lack of interest with just 11 out of the 35 traders contacted expressing an interest.