GOOD weather has helped to keep the refurbishment of Bolton Market on track.

But its official relaunch could be delayed if traders choose to do more work preparing their stalls.

Work has been proceeding on a £4.5 million overhaul of the Ashburner Street site since January and includes additional indoor food stalls and a seating area to form a new “food court”.

Other elements include refurbishing the roof on the fish market; repairing the roof over the hall which contains the fresh fruit and vegetable traders and setting up a new outdoor market.

Traders were moved out of the East Hall into outdoor shipping containers while the work got under way but are expected to move back in by the end of November in time for the crucial Christmas period.

Work to the car park and servicing area is poised for completion in 2014.

A report to council chiefs said the project is proceeding on schedule and that work so far complete includes re-slating the Ashburner Street side of the building, replacing external gutters, repainting rusted trusses and work on the roof lighting.

A quarter of the outdoor market canopy foundations have also been poured.

Cllr Nick Peel, Bolton Council cabinet member for environment, said: “The weather always helps with the external work. It’s on schedule and we’re expecting completion by the end of November.

“Some traders may need additional time to set up their stalls, they still need to decide, and if so it might be a bit later than the end of November. It’s up to the market traders.

“They don’t want customers coming along and it looking like they’ve just moved in.”

He added: “We’re very pleased with it, Bolton Market is a major asset to the town centre.

“It’s attracting large numbers of customers even during the refurbishment and can only go from good to better.”