Nelson Market still open for business

Iain retires this Friday (20 August) after 12 years in the role with Pendle Council and, more recently, Liberata.

Over the last 12 years Iain has seen changes in the market and town centre, not least at the moment with the High Street construction happening just outside the market's entrance.

But now Iain and his wife Jean have decided to follow their dreams, leaving their home in Colne for the warmer climate of Spain.

Iain said:

"I have enjoyed my time in Nelson market and will genuinely miss the hustle and bustle of the place.

"A market brings a sense of vibrancy, tradition and character to a town and our market in Nelson is no exception.

"The way people shop today is different to the past, but our traders have shown they still offer that specialist service or exciting bargain that makes them different to everyone else."

Work began in June to reopen the road through Nelson town centre and bring new life back to the town.

Councillor Mike Blomeley, Leader of Pendle Council and Executive Member for Economic Development, said:

"I really want to see Nelson market thrive and prosper and the work presently underway will bring new life to the Town Centre.

"Although there is some short term disruption as a result of the remodelling works, we are keen to emphasise to shoppers that the market will remain open as usual.

"We want to encourage them to continue using the variety of shops and stalls available.

"Putting the road back through the town centre is what traders, residents and Pendle Council have been wanting for years and it will be a real improvement when completed next year."

Lorraine Pickles, stall holder of Star Stalls on Nelson market, said:

"We need people to know our market is still open for business during the construction work.

"In the long term the road and new parking bay should make a big difference to the bottom of Leeds Road and our market entrance.

"In the mean time, we're still here for shoppers to come and discover what we have to offer."

Lorraine, together with many other market traders, gathered in Greta's Café in the indoor market yesterday (Tuesday 17 August) to say farewell to market manager Iain.

Lorraine said:

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Iain.

"He's been fantastic to work with over the years; we'll miss him."

Councillor Eileen Ansar, a local trader who started her business in the market, said:

"Iain has done an excellent job while he has been here.

He's been an absolute credit to Nelson market, making a big difference, especially with our Friday market.

"We'll really miss him and wish him all the best in the future."