IN the last five years, Westhoughton has reclaimed its reputation as a bustling market town, with the number of traders selling their wares growing from a handful to nearly 40.

So successful has it become that businesses, despite lockdown, are still looking to open in the market hall.

Bowman's Bikes only opened last week in response to the number of people taking up cycling for leisure and travel during the pandemic.

Already they have had customers contacting the business.

Marcus Bowman, who runs the business with Adam Smith, said: “Its very exciting to open a business, we have only had the Facebook for a few days and had more than 200 likes, just out of nowhere.”

He added "As soon as we came in everyone was supportive and helping us with whatever the needed.

“Everyone was offering help and advice from the other trades.”­

Adam, who is a social media marketing expert, says he will offer help to fellow traders to drum up sales online, after the support they have shown the new business.

"Everyone needs a hand up and they have been nice and helpful to us, so we will do what we can help them like they have helped us because it is our home town as well – if one thrives everyone else thrives.

“Everyone here is so lovely and feels very family orientated , you don’t walk into a big superstore and get the same service, here everyone will take time out of their day to help anyone – but aren’t getting any support.”