CUSTOMERS are today saying farewell to the Market Hall traders.

Stallholders at Bolton Market Hall are shutting up shop, following 151 years of trading from the Victorian building.

Family businesses will make way for high-street names, including fashion stores H&M and Zara, when developers move into the Grade II listed hall to start work on a £30 million revamp in April.

The stallholders have to leave as there is no space for them in the new shopping mall.

Signs thanking people for their custom hang outside many of the 50 stalls and shops. A notice above Sumners Fancy Goods, which has operated from the hall for 96 years, reads: "The end of a great era."

Peter Hardcastle, who took over Sumners from his father 32 years ago, said: "People can't believe this is the final day of trade. There are a lot of angry customers, but we've been here so long that they have been coming in to buy mementoes.

"We've had a very successful last week, and I was buying stock as late as Thursday. Everyone's very emotional."

Mr Hardcastle will take a six-month break before looking for a new job.

Philippa Iliff, aged 20, has helped out at her family's stalls, Davies Sweets and Scowcroft's Children's Wear, since she was a child.

She said: "I will really miss this place and the customers. It's sad to see it go. The hall has been buzzing with people this week, just how it used to be, so at least we've gone out on a high."

Both stalls are moving to Ashburner Street Market, with Scowcroft's also opening a branch in Knowsley Department Store.

Traders were expecting to begin winding down their businesses from 3.30pm today, and many say they will then enjoy a drink with staff.

Customer Maureen Barlow, aged 71, of Chorley New Road, has been visiting the market with her husband, Ronald, for 20 years.

She said: "As far as I'm concerned, it's the end of traditional shopping. I will really miss coming here - there's nowhere else where you can get such an array of unique goods all in one place."

Stokes Optician - which has entrances in Knowsley Street and inside the Market Hall - has vowed to remain open throughout the work and wants customers to know it is business as usual.

Manager Lori Andrews said: "Everyone around us is going, but we're going to ride out the storm. It will be a hard couple of years and it is a shame to see the Market Hall go, but we're hoping it will be worth it."

A temporary mall will be created in the Market Hall to allow shoppers to access Market Place shops, which will also remain open during the refurbishment.

Developers Agora have already started work at the site, and the main work will begin in April. The revamped centre, including a glass-fronted extension in Bridge Street, is expected to open in time for Christmas, 2008.

Where the traders are going

THE traders being forced out of Bolton Market Hall have announced where they will be relocating.

Tiffany's Cafe is moving to Victoria Square, Bon Marche ladies clothing will be open on New Street, Athletic Sports is going to Oxford Street, and Howcrofts Cooked Meats will open in part of the Odessa Cafe in Exchange Street.

Jewellery Quarter and Market News will both be open in units on Knowsley Street.

Hools Herbalist stall, Davies Sweets, Woodcocks Records, Len Brown's bedding stall, Phonomena Phones and Scowcroft's childrens stall will all move to Ashburner Street market.

Scowcrofts will also be in Knowsley department store, along with Matisse Umbrellaworld and Eastwood's Curtains and Fabrics.

Eastwood's are also opening at a unit in Blackburn Road.

Millers Bag and Luggage stall is moving to Corporation Street, with owner Ian Miller hoping to move back to Market Hall after the revamp.

Varanni Shoes, Westwells Florist, Photoworld, Carter Jewellers and Candybox will also open in the new development.